Inspiring Stories Series: Laurie

Eight years ago Laurie was diagnosed with Triple Positive Stage 2, Grade 3 breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. Laurie was in her 20s and never expected to feel a lump when putting on her bikini while on vacation with her sister in Southeast Asia. As a young woman diagnosed with breast cancer, Laurie underwent surgery, aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and years of adjuvant therapy.

Looking back on her journey Laurie is amazed by how far support for young women dealing with breast cancer has come.

“Eight years ago there weren’t any support services for young women with breast cancer. It was an incredibly isolating experience to feel so disconnected from the world around me. But fortunately, times have changed. There are different chemotherapies, treatment protocols and thankfully more support programs available to young women.”

Laurie has been a loyal supporter of Rethink Breast Cancer since we connected with her six years ago. She has been a Peer Support volunteer and advisory committee member for Rethink’s Live Laugh Learn program and the Peer Support for Young Women with breast cancer program that "matches" young women who are recently diagnosed with volunteers who have “been there”. She has seen, first-hand, the incredible impact of these vital services.

To mark eight years since her diagnosis Laurie decided to raise funds for Rethink. To date Laurie has already raised $1000!

Congratulations, Laurie, on this milestone! Thank you for your commitment to Rethink Breast Cancer, and for  allowing us to help other young women, like you, celebrate being cancer survivors!

Nikki Byrne

Manager, Donor Developments