Laura

Laura has been married to her awesome husband Paul for 26 years. She has four wonderful boys who have helped her through her treatment and supported her emotionally and financially. She works as a nurse at a skilled nursing facility, and enjoys spending time with her family, taking vacations, and

creating scrapbooks.

Laura was diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive carcinoma in October 2022 after a mammogram. During a period of three months, they found a total of eight masses that had spread to her lymphatic system. She began chemotherapy in January 2023 before undergoing a double mastectomy in June 2023. In August 2023 she underwent a complete hysterectomy, and began radiation in late August until November 16, attending every day for three months. She returned to work full time in December 2023 and worked throughout 2024 trying to heal and be healthy for her DIEP flap reconstruction in January 2025 with Dr. Derek Cody and Dr. Daniel Yoho.

Laura hoped that after reconstruction surgery her breasts would look normal, and that she would feel like a complete woman again. She wanted to wear clothes that looked feminine. She is so happy with the results. “My doctors did such an amazing job with how natural they look and feel,”she says.

Laura advises women to get yearly screenings so breast cancer can be caught at an early stage. It is a very long journey for some, but you are not alone. “It’s OK to have a lot of mixed feelings,” she shares, “being scared, angry, sad, and exhausted. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and find the team that you love through your journey.”

Laura is honored to represent Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons on the Pink Runway. “The work that the doctors do is amazing. God truly works through their hands. And to meet others who have been through the same situations.” She thanks Dr. Yoho and Dr. Cody for an awesome job. “Dr. Yoho has been a powerful resource, and I am very grateful for the kindness and compassion he has shown me. Thank you also to Lindsey Crago for being there for me through all of this and being a true friend. Laura had an amazing support system that helped her through the tough times. Her wonderful sister took her to every one of her chemotherapy appointments, and her incredible husband and four sons loved her through the hard times. She says, “They are here tonight to celebrate with me, and I would like to say thank you!”