<div>2026 
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<div>This is the update I never wanted to have to write, let alone this soon, but here we are… 1 year, 4 months and 27 days since Laurie initially got diagnosed. And unfortunately, just days before Laurie leaves this world… 
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<div>It has been only 512 days since Laurie was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. During that time, he has faced every challenge thrown at him with incredible courage, determination, and strength. He has given this fight absolutely everything he had.
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<div>Laurie has endured two bone marrow transplants, countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, months away from his family, and more hardship than anyone should ever have to face. In February, we received the wonderful news that he was officially in remission. For a brief moment, we allowed ourselves to hope that the worst was behind us.
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<div>Tragically, that hope was short-lived.
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<div>In May, the cancer returned aggressively, presenting as a tumour around his spinal cord between his  T7 and T10. On Friday, 22 May 2026, Laurie was rushed to Brisbane for emergency spinal surgery in the hope of reversing the paralysis he had developed.
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<div>Just days later, we received the devastating news that no one is ever prepared to hear. The cancer cells have breached his spinal fluid and spread to his brain. We have been told that Laurie now has only days left with us.
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<div>As I sit beside him writing this update, he is still fighting. That comes as no surprise to anyone who knows him. Laurie has never stopped fighting—not for a single day.
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<div>Lawrence is now currently waiting for transportation back to his home town Monto, where he will live out his last few days in the hospital surrounded by his loved ones. 
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<div>To everyone who has supported Laurie throughout this journey, thank you. Whether you donated, shared this fundraiser, sent a message, said a prayer, visited, or simply kept him in your thoughts, your kindness and support have meant more than we could ever put into words. You have helped ease some of the burden on Laurie and his family and reminded us that even in the hardest times, we are surrounded by an incredible community.
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<div>Most importantly, thank you for helping Laurie know that he has never faced this battle alone.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85837397_1780570266437443_r.jpg" width="100%" />
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<div>2025
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<div>I’m writing this with a heavy heart and an urgent plea for help. On January 8th, 2025, my brother, my rock, my best mate, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer that originates from abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. These cells, which are crucial for producing antibodies to fight infection, begin to multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy cells. This makes it extremely difficult for his body to produce the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets he needs to stay healthy. It’s a fight no one should have to face, and one that he cannot take on alone.
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<div>Lawrence, also known as 'Laurie', is a loving husband to Carla and a devoted father to three beautiful children, aged 8, 7, and 1. Since his diagnosis, Laurie’s life has been turned upside down. He’s had to leave his family in the North Burnett Region, Queensland, and be in a Brisbane hospital, six hours south, for chemotherapy and radiation treatments he desperately needs. Unfortunately, due to the nature of his condition and the intensity of the treatment, Laurie will be away from his family for a minimum of 12 months. The financial burden is overwhelming—treatment costs, relocation, accommodation, and medical expenses are mounting. And beyond that, Laurie’s family still needs support to keep their home, put food on the table, and ensure his kids have everything they need for school.
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<div>Laurie has always been the one to show up for everyone else. He’s the first to lend a hand, give his time, and offer his heart. But now, he’s in a battle he simply cannot win on his own. With his illness preventing him from working and the necessity of being away from his family for such an extended period, Laurie needs our help. He would never ask for this support, but this is a fight that’s too big for him to carry alone—no matter how hard he would try.
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<div>Laurie is the kind of man whose world revolves around his family. The love he has for Carla and their children is everything to him, and being separated from them during such a difficult time is slowly breaking his spirit. He’s always been the one to show up for them, give them everything he has, and now the pain of not being able to be there for his kids and wife is almost more than he can bear. Missing out on watching his children grow, not being there to support Carla, and facing his treatment alone—it’s weighing so heavily on him. If there was any way for his family to be with him, even just for visits, it could be enough to lift his spirits and give him the strength to keep fighting with everything he has.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85837397_1737526578884398_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Your support, whether through a donation or even just by sharing this page, means more than words can express. It would give Laurie the chance to focus on what truly matters: fighting for his health and being there for his family. Every donation—no matter how big or small—will go directly towards covering Laurie’s relocation, treatments, medical expenses, and helping his family stay supported during this incredibly difficult time.
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<div>It’s hard to express how much your kindness and generosity would mean to us right now. From the depths of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you can offer. Knowing we’re not alone in this fight brings us comfort.
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<div>I promise to keep you all updated on Laurie’s progress as we navigate this journey together.
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Will McKee

KATE NAYLOR

Bethani Williams

Simmone Taylor

Jonno Siragusano

Clara Coughlan

Cadden Pamenter

Khadijah Todd

Alice Veber

Michelle Johnston

Lorraine & Ray Baldwin

Ainsley Pointon

Liz Avis

Amy Golchert

Ashlee Coward

Nicole Benecke

Ben Salisbury

Serenity Kinneally

Heidi McInnes

Jess Mollenhagen

Laurie's Fight: A Family's Battle Against Multiple Myeloma

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Laurie's Fight: A Family's Battle Against Multiple Myeloma

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