Support Laurel's Battle Against Cancer

Hugs for Laurel

Update May 30, 2025:

With the generous support of our donors we have surpassed 20% of our goal. Thank you so much to all who have contributed. While the immunotherapy has been successful in reducing Laurel’s melanoma, the numerous and debilitating side effects have resulted in additional hospitalization and another pause in her treatment. The impact of her treatment delay is Laurel will not be able to return to her RN work for longer than expected. Please consider contributing to Laurel’s GoFundMe if you are able or share this post so that Laurel’s story can reach as many people as possible.

Assist Laurel in her fight against Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma

Our dear friend Laurel is courageously fighting Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma

In November 2020, Laurel had Melanoma removed from her back. Her annual follow-ups have gone well, until this past November, when multiple spots were found on her lungs and in her lymph nodes.

Laurel is a well-known and beloved RN, making her mark in the community, not only in her profession, but as a sober woman in recovery. She helps others through her service in Alcoholics Anonymous, as her sobriety is the foundation of her daily life. Laurel enjoys rooting for the Patriots, gardening, completing puzzles, crafts and reading. Laurel’s favorite things, however, are dancing and riding her motorcycle.

Because traditional Chemotherapy and Radiation are not treatment options for Laurel’s particular diagnosis, a clinical trial of immunotherapy was recommended.

For Laurel to receive the trial, she needs to travel to Dana Farber in Boston bi-weekly for a period of six months. After that, Laurel will go to Dana Farber once a month for up to two years. Her treatment days are long and exhausting and are usually followed by a week of fighting side effects. Laurel will present with flu-like symptoms, insomnia, severe fatigue, GI issues, headaches and understandably, debilitating anxiety and depression.

Unexpectedly, she had a hospitalization and a four-week set back in her treatment due to gastrointestinal issues caused by the immunotherapy, but is set to resume treatment in a couple weeks if the side effects can be managed.

Laurel has been unable to work since November 2023. Unfortunately, daily expenses, medical bills, household expenses, gas and groceries still all need to be paid. Insurance doesn’t cover these costs and the financial burden can be overwhelming for someone in Laurel’s situation. This GoFundMe has been set up to help ease some of that financial burden for Laurel while she is unable to work. But, like a true RN, dedicated to her job, Laurel would like to return to work when the side effects of treatment have diminished.

All funds donated will be used to assist Laurel meet her financial obligations for the next six months while she undergoes her treatment.