Help Laurena battle ALS
Donation protected
For those of you who don't know me, I am Laurena McCarthy's niece. As many of you know, Laurena, a lovingly devoted teacher, wife, and mother of three boys (Justin, Brandon, and Max) was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) last summer. In the span of a year the disease has progressed rapidly and Laurena and her family are now faced with the immediate need and expense of modifying their home so that she may remain there with her family.

Anyone who knows Laurena knows that she dedicated her life to others. An elementary school teacher for more than 20 years, she spent her days leading up to her diagnosis devoted to helping her students reach their highest potential. During summer breaks from school, Laurena founded and ran multiple summer camps, including one which served underprivileged children from inner cities and taught them how to care for farm animals. Another focused on making science exciting and fun. Laurena's passion has always been to nurture a child’s natural curiosities and encourage them to believe in themselves regardless of their circumstances, just as she believed in them.
Laurena’s diagnosis came as a shock to all, and the quick progression has devastated the family’s finances. Laurena's only wish is to remain in her home with her husband and children. This is especially important in light of Max's young age.
Money raised through this fundraiser will go towards the medical equipment and services necessary to keep Laurena in her home with her family. Some of these expenses include a wheelchair for when the disease robs her of the ability to use her legs, a voice machine for when it steals her vocal chords, lifts, handicap accessible ramps, handicap accessible transportation, modifications to their home and so much more. Any help that you can provide to them will go a long way to helping them cope with this tragic diagnosis.
Laurena has given so much of herself to her family, friends, students, and community. She has handled her circumstances and her new norm with unwavering grace in true Laurena fashion. Many people whose lives she's touched have asked how they can help. Please donate to this cause if you are able.
If you would like to donate services or equipment please contact me directly at [email redacted]
On behalf of the McCarthy and Flynn families, thank you so much for all the support you have shown and continue to provide.



Anyone who knows Laurena knows that she dedicated her life to others. An elementary school teacher for more than 20 years, she spent her days leading up to her diagnosis devoted to helping her students reach their highest potential. During summer breaks from school, Laurena founded and ran multiple summer camps, including one which served underprivileged children from inner cities and taught them how to care for farm animals. Another focused on making science exciting and fun. Laurena's passion has always been to nurture a child’s natural curiosities and encourage them to believe in themselves regardless of their circumstances, just as she believed in them.
Laurena’s diagnosis came as a shock to all, and the quick progression has devastated the family’s finances. Laurena's only wish is to remain in her home with her husband and children. This is especially important in light of Max's young age.
Money raised through this fundraiser will go towards the medical equipment and services necessary to keep Laurena in her home with her family. Some of these expenses include a wheelchair for when the disease robs her of the ability to use her legs, a voice machine for when it steals her vocal chords, lifts, handicap accessible ramps, handicap accessible transportation, modifications to their home and so much more. Any help that you can provide to them will go a long way to helping them cope with this tragic diagnosis.
Laurena has given so much of herself to her family, friends, students, and community. She has handled her circumstances and her new norm with unwavering grace in true Laurena fashion. Many people whose lives she's touched have asked how they can help. Please donate to this cause if you are able.
If you would like to donate services or equipment please contact me directly at [email redacted]
On behalf of the McCarthy and Flynn families, thank you so much for all the support you have shown and continue to provide.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristen Manforte Lynn
Organizer
Naugatuck, CT
Laurena McCarthy
Beneficiary