Deborah and Laurie
Deborah (L) and Laurie (R) were devoted sisters all their lives. Laurie battled breast cancer nearly six years until she passed away at age 50 in July 2003. She left behind three orphaned teenagers and a legion of people whose lives she touched.
By Deborah, a Sister Study participant from Washington State
I joined the Sister Study because I want to contribute to the effort to find the cause for breast cancer. Like many others, I would do anything for my sister. Laurie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 44 in September 1997. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and throughout the terrible treatments, she worked full-time to support her husband who was at home battling Lupus and kidney failure, as well as three children 9, 11 and 13. Laurie lost her husband in 1999 after a 10-year disabling illness. Four months later, Laurie was disabled herself—crippled by cancer’s return. The cancer metastasized to her organs and bone, leaving a big hole in her femur. After surgery to pin her leg to her hip, Laurie battled back through radiation and physical therapy, and miraculously learned to walk again. My 70+ year-old parents and I spent months helping Laurie and her children get back on their feet. Their church, school and friends supported us in countless other ways.
On December 27, 2001, we celebrated our parents’ 50th wedding anniversary together, only to soon realize why Laurie felt so sick through the festivities. She fought another 19 months to the day, living all the days of her life. One of her biggest heartbreaks was receiving the news in September 2002 that our mother also had breast cancer. Mom’s treatment ended two days before Laurie died. Our family is moving on as best we can.
We are left with wonderful, loving memories of Laurie and her strong faith, hope, courage, and the spirit to do whatever it takes to show love to those in her life. By taking part in the Sister Study, I am honored to represent Laurie’s legacy and the continuing fight for my Mom and other women who are impacted by breast cancer. In this small way, I hope I can let Laurie’s legacy live on through my commitment to breast cancer research through the Sister Study.