About a month and a half ago, at a routine doctor's appointment, Laurianna's doctor discovered a lump in her breast.  Fast forward after several doctor's appointments, mammograms, MRIs, and blood tests, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Since the diagnosis, Laurianna has had surgery to remove the tumor (lumpectomy) including removing one lymph node, which also contained cancer cells.  The pathology identified the cells as Invasive Carcinoma/Triple Negative breast cancer.  Since this is considered an aggressive cancer, a CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis will be done to ensure that it hasn't spread.  The specialist advised that radiation is most likely needed, and possibly chemotherapy.  The next step is an appointment with an oncologist, who will determine the next course of action.

Our first thought was, "at least this will be covered under presumptive cause."  For those of you that don't know, Laurianna has served as a firefighter for over 24 years.  Unfortunately, the language in the New Mexico presumptive cause bill states that a female firefighter would have to be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of FORTY in order to be eligible for coverage under the bill.  

Laurianna is currently a member of AFR's HEART team of community paramedics (and she is already back at work following her surgery!).  She is also a single mother to two boys, a dear friend to many, and we are hoping to help raise some money to offset the cost of the mounting pile of medical bills she is growing.  Laurianna is the first person to offer to help to others in need.  I would like her to be able to focus on her upcoming treatment, and not worry about anything else during that time.  

I asked her if there was any personal message that she wanted to send everyone, and she said she just wants everyone to remember the importance of annual mammograms, so go get one, or make sure your wife/mother/daughter/friend is getting their's regularly.  We are all so thankful her cancer was caught early, and that it is treatable.  

Thank you!