Laurie Harris
After finding a lump in her breast in November 2005, Laurie Harris was prepared to dismiss it as nothing serious until her friends encouraged her to see her doctor. After three months of tests and checks on the lump, a surgeon performed a lumpectomy to remove and biopsy the growth. In February 2006, Laurie’s doctor diagnosed her with Stage One breast cancer.
While the tumor was not large and was still in its early stages, it was already invasive. Upon hearing her diagnosis, Laurie’s thoughts turned to her mother, who showed unwavering support to her husband (Laurie’s father) as he fought, and ultimately lost his battle with, lung cancer. Laurie was determined to channel the strength and spirit her own father had shown during his fight against cancer.
For her treatment, Laurie courageously underwent a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. Her mother was her rock throughout the entire process, supporting her at doctor visits and spending time with her at home. Doctors were pleased with the results from her six-month checkup in February 2007, and Laurie will continue to go back for periodic checkups.
In designing her garden, Laurie selected pink verbena in the shape of a ribbon to honor all who have been touched by breast cancer. The rosemary represents memory and is a memorial to those who, like her father, have lost their battles with cancer. The thyme signifies courage and is in honor of all those currently fighting cancer. Laurie also planted sage as a tribute to cancer survivors. Sage represents long life – which she looks forward to sharing with her friends and family.
