Laura's Story

For Laura D’Spain, July 28, 2010 started out like any other day, but it quickly became a day like no other. After reading an article on self-breast examinations, she found a lump in her left breast—a discovery that would have a profound impact on her life.

 

Laura was diagnosed with stage 3 grade B, HER2-positive breast cancer. As a wife, mother of two and public relations manager, she was someone on which others depended, but her role was reversed by this new reality. Fortunately, her strong network of family and friends helped expedite her diagnosis, treatment plan (chemotherapy, radiation, bilateral double mastectomy), reconstruction, and maintenance care (Herceptin and Tamoxifen). Laura’s kids never missed a practice or match, her husband never skipped a meal (or dessert), and she was able to rest and recover with support from her loving community.

 

Following her double mastectomy, one such friend loaned Laura a power lift recliner. She spent nearly one month living in this chair, as her reduced arm strength made getting up and off furniture difficult. It was during this time that Laura discovered her new mission and purpose: providing support and care to recovering cancer patients.

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Laura’s cancer battle plan was working—until it wasn’t. Two years following her initial diagnosis, she found herself feeling confused and distracted. After a call to her oncologist, a quick MRI scan soon revealed a three-centimeter encapsulated tumor in the middle of her brain. Like before, Laura immediately went to her Lord and Savior in prayer, asking that His will be done. God’s answer meant healing and recovery for Laura.

 

As of 2022, Laura is able to celebrate ten years of living with stage four metastatic breast cancer. She is on a Herceptin regimen every eight weeks and will be for the rest of her life. Cancer redefined her priorities, stripping away the non-essentials in life in pursuit of helping others battle and recover from cancer surgeries. 

 

Laura’s Chair is the foundation she started, which loans power lift recliners to surgical patients recovering at home. Ironically, Laura started a blog during her cancer treatment called The Lift. “Lift” is an acronym for “Living In Faith and Truth.” As Laura sought to bring meaning and understanding to her cancer diagnosis, she found God working in the details of her journey and the blog became instrumental in her own healing. You can read it (soon) on this page under Lulu’s Lift (a nickname from Laura’s husband, Jay). Cancer doesn’t define Laura; but instead, it’s what she’s doing with it that reflects her genuine heart to love and serve others. Join her on this mission.