Support Laura's Battle Against Breast Cancer

Laura and I have been friends since childhood. Her breast cancer diagnosis is her latest battle in a series of difficulties. If you know and love Laura and her family as I do, prayerfully consider how you may help ease her burden as she walks through this process to regain her health. - Emily Burgess

Josh and Laura’s story:

It’s NEVER easy to ask for help — but here is our story.

The last 18 months have been ROUGH.

Laura’s Diagnosis and Journey

In May 2024, after finding a suspicious lump while showering, I was eventually diagnosed with stage one breast cancer — words no one ever wants to hear. Through much prayer and research, I underwent a lumpectomy in October 2024. I received clear margins in my breast, but they found cancer in 2 out of the 3 lymph nodes removed. Shortly after, I received a clear PET scan — praise the Lord!

I then completed radiation treatment in March 2025. But we’ve learned that healing from cancer is not a one-size-fits-all process.

Taking a multi-pronged approach, I underwent specialty testing with a cancer lab overseas and will be receiving other therapies through this lab this month. These tests and therapies are critical for eliminating circulating tumor cells — something radiation cannot do — and monitoring my progress. Unfortunately, none of this is covered by insurance. These will be ongoing needs to ensure I fully heal.

Josh’s Health Crisis

Before the word “cancer” invaded our home, starting in 2021, Josh faced a series of health and financial battles of his own. A roller coaster ride ensues...

It began with Long COVID and its lasting effects over almost 2 years, compounded by a depression and anxiety disorder. At the same time, his consulting clients were dealing with financial hardship — leaving him either unpaid or deferred while still covering business costs. Then, at the start of 2024, a GI infection left him bedridden for months and unable to work consistently throughout the year. Thankfully, he is 95% healthy and ready to tackle new business, but that takes time. He’s even put aside his ego and has at least 50 resume submissions out to various open roles. So he is actively searching and interviewing at this time.

Compounding Loss

And finally, as if all of these things weren’t enough, the challenges kept coming. I lost my grandmother. My mom underwent multiple surgeries for melanoma (she is clear now — praise the Lord!). We are likely (yet again) having to move Jude to another school since he has unique needs. I continue to work in my real estate business as the primary caretaker for our family while dealing with intense grief, fear, and a constant sense of instability until Josh’s work is back to a normalized state.

Please keep the referrals coming — it truly sustains us.

Why We Need Help

We are hoping to raise $50,000 to help cover:

• Ongoing overseas lab tests and therapies.

• Repeat immune support treatments.

• Recovery time and loss of income.

• Basic living expenses (we had to borrow $30,000 from close friends).

I trust brighter days are ahead. And I believe the testimony of God's relentless love is not just in our future — it's unfolding even now.

Please pray for our family.

If you are able and led to, please consider giving. Every donation brings us closer to healing — body, mind, and soul.

With heartfelt thanks,

Laura, Josh, and Jude