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 unpaid 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.