These are my friends, Laura and Kevin. Not only are they my friends, but they are great people and wonderful parents to their two children Easton and Isla. They are great people that moved around a bit, but were looking forward to creating a fun, new beginning in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Part of that adventure included welcoming their baby girl, Isla in December. 

 Shortly after the new baby’s arrival, the whole family contracted Covid. This making it difficult to have visitors and celebrate baby Isla with others. Around this time Laura fell ill with serious complications from childbirth. After months of hospital stays, surgery and scary doctor visits, Laura finally began to feel better and recover. However, the real journey was just beginning. 

 Laura then found out that she had stage 3 breast cancer. She would have to have both breasts and lymph nodes removed and undergo very aggressive chemotherapy/radiation to follow. Of course this would be overwhelming and devastating for anyone, but of course it was increasingly difficult on a brand new, breast-feeding mom and her family. 

 During this time Kevin was in the beginning phases of launching his own Real Estate business and Laura was forced to leave work. As doctor visits increased for Laura and the obvious demands of having a newborn were forever present, it was difficult for Kevin to find the time to be away from the family in order to work and grow his business. 

 As if they didn’t have enough going on… their terms for their rental home were coming to an end and they needed to find housing. They found and loved a fixer upper. During this difficult time they were also trying to transition from a rental to their own home which had a lot of work that needed to be done. During the time of home renovations and transitioning homes, Laura had her double mastectomy and soon after began chemotherapy. Some days are better than others but to say they are in the midst of a rough patch would be an understatement. 

 After arriving home after mandatory hurricane evacuation, Laura contracted COVID again for the second time which was far worse because she is immunocompromised, this is yet again another bump in the road and obviously delaying her treatments. 

 Laura‘s battle with breast cancer still rages on. It is difficult for Kevin to get away to work. But we are all hopeful. 

 So in the interim… 

 They are my friends. They are great people. They have ensued one hit after another and have still found ways to smile, move forward, parent, live and show gratitude. I was hoping with donations to this gofundme that they would realize they are not alone. People care. Positive vibes, even if they are from strangers, heal. This ‘storm’ will soon pass and a rainbow awaits on the other side. But, while the skies are still a little gray, I was hoping for a little help for my friends. Thank you to all that donate. May it come back to you tenfold in karma, luck and happiness! ❤️