Laurie Akers

Hi, this is Ed Bueti and I’m reaching out on behalf of my friend Laurie Akers who was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in July of this year. Laurie and her family need financial help and support from friends and members of our community for medical expenses, to pay the rent and get by until she’s able to return to work on a regular basis.

The treatment ordered was six weeks of radiation and several Chemo sessions. Since treatment, she has experienced painful neuropathy in her legs which has impaired her ability to walk at times. Her kidney functions have been in distress, and she’s lost substantial weight due to loss of appetite and constant nausea. Laurie’s become anemic, suffers from malnutrition and continues to be treated for dehydration.

This past week Laurie was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath. It was discovered that blood clots in her legs from the neuropathy moved into her lungs and created a pulmonary embolism condition. Blood thinners temporarily stabilize her until she can have a filter installed near her artery to prevent further blood clotting issues. Until these issues are resolved, the remainder of her treatments have been put on hold, which puts her recovery in a precarious situation.

Laurie is 4th generation Emersonian who, as a single parent raised her children in Emerson while being a caregiver to her mother for the last five years of her life. Her daughter Erin is developmentally disabled and leans upon Laurie for emotional support and will for the rest of her life.

Laurie’s situation is very challenging. She needs to concentrate on her recovery and maintain a positive outlook as she navigates through this difficult time. Any assistance will help and be greatly appreciated by Laurie and her family.