I worked with Laurie at MDA for about 7 years, and I drove her crazy with travel plans and requests. She was a loving friend and amazing colleague. Laurie sent me a 6-page hand-written note this summer while I was in the hospital going through a bone marrow transplant during the months of July and August. The note was written on July 13; ironically, the time I felt that I would never feel normal again. It was lowest point during my treatment, and I was so sick that I can barely remember that time. Somehow - even across the country - Laurie sensed that. How did she know? She prayed for me and assured me that I would heal.
The irony that beautiful, sweet Laurie was praying for ME and that she took the time (at 4 am) to think about me and assure me that I'd be alright - when it was SHE who would later need my thoughts and prayers.
And don't think for one moment that Laurie's note didn't include a little bit of her twinkling sense of humor! She concluded her note with this last line:
P.S. Should you need specific prayers, any hour day or night, call or text me - just like when you'd call me to change your hotel in the middle of the night.
I'll never forget Laurie's loving sense of humor, selflessness or her twinkling smile that lit up every room.
- Scarlett Marchman, Vice President, Development