Love for Layne

Hello, my name is Cindy Romo.  I am proud to say that I am Layne Cooper’s mother.  This past November Layne noticed a pain in her right rib cage and back.  At first she thought she may have strained her rib, but over the next several weeks she developed a lump on her right chest wall that continued to grow larger, protruding through her ribs. In January Layne had a chest x-ray which showed a fist-sized mass in her chest.  She was immediately referred to Hematologist Oncologist, Dr. Christine Saraceni of Ironwood Cancer and Research Center.  Dr. Saraceni went to work ordering massive amounts of testing, labs, PET scan, MRI, ultrasound, port placement and two biopsies. One of the biopsies conducted by a thoracic surgeon, requiring a chest tube, arterial line, and a brief ICU stay. This confirmed the diagnosis of a Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma…so the battle begins. All of this leading to Chemotherapy which began February 17th.  Chemotherapy will be 5 days in a row, followed by 2 weeks off.  There will be 6 rounds, about 18 weeks. 

 Layne is fortunate to have medical insurance through her employer.  As we all know there are co-pays, deductibles and out-of- pocket costs that accrue quickly.  We, her family have been fortunate enough to be able to help with some of these expenses.  Layne however does not have disability insurance, and most likely will not be able to work for 4-6 months. Her job as a physical therapist is well, physical, and she is in contact with many people, exposing her to possible infection due to her compromised immune system.  My hope for Layne is that she does not have to worry about anything…other than getting well.  Finances should be the last thing she worries about.

 I want to tell you about my daughter Layne, how wonderful, beautiful, smart and special she is, but I’m her mother and we all know how mothers feel about their children.  I reached out to Layne’s boss at Foothills Sports Medicine, Clint Borman and her good friend Gretchen Goldstein to tell you a little about my daughter Layne.

 Her boss Clint Borman wrote:

“I am reaching out to each of you to bring awareness to a heavy storm cloud hovering over our very own Layne “Hurricane” Cooper. Early this month, Layne was diagnosed with Lymphoma and is currently preparing for a battle of the storms over the next several months. Layne started work in my clinic as an intern at ASU. She served the clinic as a tech for 3 years prior to her acceptance to PT school at Northern Arizona University. After completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy, she came right back to the clinic where she started and has grown into an amazing therapist, a beautiful person and so much more than just another employee, Layne is family. Layne is like a little sister to me and I want to do any and everything possible to help her through this challenging season of her life. For those of you who may not know Layne like we do, compassion, determination and fight are in her core make-up as a person, a provider and a friend. Layne’s care and healing of her community extends far outside the walls of the clinic. Layne gives 110% of her heart and effort everyday in the clinic and in her home and it’s time that we give back 110% to her in her time of need. We are communicating with Layne every day and each conversation returns a “how are my patients doing?” Need I say more. Pray for her and her family in your daily prayers and help us help Layne while she is fighting, recovering and returning to the true, one and only storm and force to be reckoned, our beloved “HURRICANE-LAYNE.” -Clint

 Her great friend, Gretchen Goldstein, had the following to share about Layne: 

 “My sweetest, big hearted, hippie chick, peace warrior friend, Layne, is beginning her battle against cancer and she could use our support. Layne’s loving and kind heart is that of genuinity. It’s simply pure gold. As an amazing, true, trusted friend/sister (and also in her career as a dedicated physical therapist), she is always giving of her full being and soulful kindness. She is caring, compassionate and selfless, never missing an opportunity to help others, her community, her clients or plenty of canines.  She’s starting a long fight. Let’s unite a good vibes tribe and support her in all ways we can. This tremendous chick deserves all we can do. I love her (we all do) beyond words!”- Gretchen

 In conclusion, I am reaching out to all of you who know and love Layne, and even those who don’t know Layne at all, but would like to help…just because.  Our goal is to raise $20,000.  I know every penny will be put to good use, paying for Layne’s living expenses, and other financial responsibilities. Help if you can. We appreciate all the love and support!