More Than Cancer: Support Laurel’s Healing Journey
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Hi, I’m Laurel.
I’m a 30-year-old mother living with stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer—and a number of complex chronic illnesses that now shape every part of my daily life.
In the last year, my body has gone through profound changes. I was recently diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and Adrenal Insufficiency. These conditions, alongside cancer, have made treatment not only difficult—but at times, unbearable.
What used to be a 3-hour outpatient infusion has become a 16+ hour desensitization protocol followed by a hospital stay. I’ve experienced severe allergic reactions to my medications, persistent low-grade fevers, debilitating pain, and worsening fatigue. The toll on my body has been immense.
Recently, I made the hardest decision of my life: I’ve stopped cancer treatment—for now—in order to stabilize my body and focus on my quality of life. It’s a terrifying choice, but an intentional one.
I’ve also had to step away from teaching yoga—something that not only supported us financially, but gave me purpose, connection, and movement when I needed it most. Losing that piece of my life has been deeply painful.
Right now, I’m focused on rebuilding. Slowly. Gently. Intentionally.
My hope is that this pause from cancer treatment—while incredibly difficult—will give me just enough space and energy to begin creating something meaningful. Something that not only allows me to contribute in a way that honors my body, but also supports my family with a sustainable income. I want to build a life I can live in, not just survive through—a life of presence, creativity, and impact for the rest of my days, or as long as my body allows.
I’m raising funds to help support myself and my daughter, Vivian, through this next chapter.
Your support will go toward:
• Daily living expenses
• Supplemental therapies like acupuncture, massage, and any uncovered medical appointments or testing such as genetic testing, and allergy testing
• Necessities for Vivian and I
• Comfort items and creative tools that bring us moments of joy
• The space and time I need to explore care paths that help me stabilize and, I hope, maybe one day return to treatment to prolong my time here.
While I receive SSDI, it’s very limited due to my age and work history. I’m grateful for anything—but it’s not enough to meet the depth of need that comes with living with complex illness and single motherhood.
If you’ve supported us already: thank you, truly. Your love has helped carry me. If you’re just learning about our journey, thank you for reading this far. It means more than you know.
With love and gratitude,
Laurel
In the last year, my body has gone through profound changes. I was recently diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and Adrenal Insufficiency. These conditions, alongside cancer, have made treatment not only difficult—but at times, unbearable.
What used to be a 3-hour outpatient infusion has become a 16+ hour desensitization protocol followed by a hospital stay. I’ve experienced severe allergic reactions to my medications, persistent low-grade fevers, debilitating pain, and worsening fatigue. The toll on my body has been immense.
Recently, I made the hardest decision of my life: I’ve stopped cancer treatment—for now—in order to stabilize my body and focus on my quality of life. It’s a terrifying choice, but an intentional one.
I’ve also had to step away from teaching yoga—something that not only supported us financially, but gave me purpose, connection, and movement when I needed it most. Losing that piece of my life has been deeply painful.
Right now, I’m focused on rebuilding. Slowly. Gently. Intentionally.
My hope is that this pause from cancer treatment—while incredibly difficult—will give me just enough space and energy to begin creating something meaningful. Something that not only allows me to contribute in a way that honors my body, but also supports my family with a sustainable income. I want to build a life I can live in, not just survive through—a life of presence, creativity, and impact for the rest of my days, or as long as my body allows.
I’m raising funds to help support myself and my daughter, Vivian, through this next chapter.
Your support will go toward:
• Daily living expenses
• Supplemental therapies like acupuncture, massage, and any uncovered medical appointments or testing such as genetic testing, and allergy testing
• Necessities for Vivian and I
• Comfort items and creative tools that bring us moments of joy
• The space and time I need to explore care paths that help me stabilize and, I hope, maybe one day return to treatment to prolong my time here.
While I receive SSDI, it’s very limited due to my age and work history. I’m grateful for anything—but it’s not enough to meet the depth of need that comes with living with complex illness and single motherhood.
If you’ve supported us already: thank you, truly. Your love has helped carry me. If you’re just learning about our journey, thank you for reading this far. It means more than you know.
With love and gratitude,
Laurel
Organizer
Laurel Scannell
Organizer
Middleboro, MA