Help Laura Runkle Fight Stage 4 Cancer

Hello, my name is Katelyn, and I’m organizing this fundraiser for my aunt, Laura Runkle, who was recently given life-changing news and is beginning a challenging medical journey.

In early June, Laura was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. By the time doctors discovered it, the cancer had already metastasized to her brain, liver, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes.

On January 3 of this year, Laura quit smoking, but shortly after, her symptoms worsened rapidly. Less than a week after Laura and Mike got married in April, her cough deepened, leading to fractured ribs. She also began experiencing memory loss and loss of function in one leg and her right hand.

Mike took her to the hospital, where scans revealed tumors on her lungs and liver, as well as lesions on her brain. She was immediately transferred to Duke University Hospital, three hours away, where further tests and biopsies were performed to guide the treatment plan.

Laura is scheduled to begin SRS radiation treatment on June 18 at Onslow Radiation & Oncology in Jacksonville, NC. This treatment will target the brain lesions. By the end of the month, doctors expect to have the remaining test results needed to determine her next phase of treatment.

Doctors have given her a life expectancy of approximately 2 to 5 years, depending on how her cancer responds to treatment. We are staying hopeful, but the road ahead will be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging.

Laura is unable to work, and expenses are piling up — including:

My aunt has always been fiercely selfless, caring, and resilient. I’ve always admired her ability to show up for and stand up for those she cares about. Now, it’s our turn to show up for her, and we're doing everything we can to make sure she is supported through this difficult journey.

We welcome any form of support — whether it’s donating, sharing this page, or keeping Laura in your thoughts and prayers. This isn't a path we ever expected to walk, but we’re so thankful for family, friends, and each person walking alongside us. Thank you for being here for Laura and Mike and showing up in whatever way you can.

With Love and Appreciation,

Katelyn and Family