Laura, a dedicated dental assisting instructor and high school teacher, is bravely battling a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the brain and central nervous system. After completing intensive chemotherapy, she now faces a series of at least 25 outpatient radiation therapy sessions. She is determined but is currently unable to walk or transfer to a wheelchair, requiring specialized gurney transport to the treatment center 60 miles away from her home. Each session’s transport may cost upwards of $1,000.
Jeff, her husband and primary caregiver, a retired Marine with a 70% service-connected disability, also lives with Parkinson’s disease that now affects both sides of his body and has survived a stroke. Despite their own significant health challenges, this couple has spent decades selflessly serving their local communities.
For over 30 years, Laura has taught Career Technical Education (CTE) dental assisting and health occupations at a local high school. She inspired and trained many students who went on to successful careers as dentists, hygienists, and other healthcare professionals. Her program was the first of its kind on a high school campus to receive official approval. She also helped establish free dental clinics for underserved populations and served on her local healthcare district board. Together with her husband, they taught Red Cross CPR classes for over 25 years, equipping thousands with life-saving skills.
Both have been longtime volunteers with various nonprofit organizations that provide free medical, dental, and vision care to those in need. Laura played a key role in coordinating dental services at clinics across the region, creating hands-on learning opportunities for her students while delivering care to thousands. Her husband served as a leader and primary community health event planner, organizing equipment, volunteers, host organizations, and logistics to bring free care—including dental, medical, vision, and cancer screenings—to veterans and underserved communities. Even after stepping back from full event planning due to his own health issues and to care for his wife, he continues supporting the organization in a leadership role until a successor is found.
Their combined efforts have touched countless lives—students who launched healthcare careers, families who received free glasses and dental care, veterans who got critical services, and community members who learned CPR. They have truly lived a life of service, giving back far more than they ever asked for in return.
Now, as Laura fights for her life and focuses on healing, she has taken an indefinite leave from the classroom she loves. The financial burden of specialized transport and other treatment-related expenses has been overwhelming. Every donation—large or small—will directly help cover these costs so she can focus on recovery without added worry, and her husband can continue supporting her as her devoted caregiver.
Your generosity will honor the legacy of two incredible community volunteers who have given so much to others. Please consider donating today to help them through this difficult journey. Together, we can show them the same compassion they have shown their community for decades.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Every gift makes a difference.
Update: Second Day of Radiation Complete – Laura is Doing Okay
We are grateful to share a positive update from Laura and her family:
The second day of radiation therapy is now complete, and Laura is doing okay but tired. She has 23 more treatments ahead over the coming weeks. With a lot of help, she is now able to transfer to a wheelchair, which is wonderful progress. She will still need to travel in a wheelchair-equipped vehicle for her appointments, but the cost of transportation has been significantly reduced thanks to this improvement and the generous support received so far.
Laura and her family want to express their deep thanks to every single person who has contributed, shared, prayed, and sent messages of love and encouragement. Your generosity is making a real difference during this challenging time, allowing them to focus more on healing and less on financial worry.