Supporting Laura Through Breast Cancer Treatment

Dear friends, I’m Emily, and I’m hosting this GoFundMe campaign for my sister Laura and her fiancé AJ.

Laura is my big sister and has always shown up for me. When I fainted as a 6-year-old, she heroically attempted mouth to mouth resuscitation... even though I was still breathing. More recently, she cared for my infant son during COVID, which allowed me to attend school. Laura has always been a steady, supportive – and hilarious – presence in my life. Now it's my turn to show up for her.

If you’re reading this, you likely know Laura or AJ to some extent. Maybe you went to school together, or are old internet acquaintances. Maybe you know Laura from a gardening group, or AJ from his involvement in the vintage computer scene. Or maybe you know both of them via their goofy Japanese chin son Elmer.

If you don't know Laura and AJ, allow me to tell you a bit about them. In their 13 years together they've been doting parents to three dogs, three cats, and one little brown snake. All three of their dogs worked as therapy dogs for developmentally disabled adults, accompanying AJ to work daily.

Laura and AJ love the outside world, and spend evenings strolling around their yard finding frogs, turtles, snakes, and other fascinating creatures. They enjoy growing and tending a raised bed vegetable garden in the Summer.

Laura is an avid photographer and a beginner painter. She finds joy in her seven niblings, would rather be snorkeling, and has an abundance of houseplants. She has spent the majority of her career as a graphic and web designer, photographer, and social media manager.

In early August 2023, Laura was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, or breast cancer. Laura’s cancer was detected via a yearly mammogram, and although her tumor is at least 2 inches long, it is undetectable by touch. Fortunately, Laura’s lymph nodes appear clean, but that won’t be determined for certain until surgery. The aggressiveness of Laura’s tumor will also be determined after surgery, which will indicate whether chemotherapy and/or radiation will be a necessary part of her treatment. What is for certain is that Laura will need at least one major surgery.

Invasive lobular carcinoma is tricky. The tumor is flat, and web-like, with undefined edges. It is more difficult to cleanly remove than the common ductal carcinoma. It is not unusual for cancer cells to be left behind, in which case, a second lumpectomy would need to be performed, and even a second surgery would not guarantee the total removal of all cancer cells.

Taking all of this into account, in addition to being a third generation breast cancer patient, Laura and her surgeon have decided a double mastectomy with reconstruction is the best course of action. Her surgery is scheduled for early October in Baltimore, 70 miles from home.

Laura’s insurance has provided good coverage thus far, however, she will be losing income during and for weeks following her mastectomy.

To relieve the financial stress from the inevitable lack of income, I’m hoping to raise $5,000 for Laura and AJ during this already stressful and emotionally draining time. Your donation will allow AJ to stay home and care for Laura as she recovers from at least one, but maybe more, major surgeries.

Your donations will specifically go toward the following expenses:

*Any post-surgery related supplies that are no longer needed after recovery will be donated to individuals or organizations who could use them.

AJ and Elmer will have free lodging in Baltimore for the duration of Laura’s hospital stay.

Easing the financial burden Laura and AJ face will directly impact the speed and quality of her recovery. Laura will be able to focus on getting well, while mentally preparing for additional treatment (like chemotherapy, radiation) that she may be facing after surgery. Your donation is immensely appreciated and will be put to good use.

I will be providing updates on Laura’s progress on this GoFundMe page, but she’s also documenting her cancer experience on her Instagram page @furandfrond, where you’re welcome to follow along.