Support Laura Hacker's Fight Against Leukemia

On June 25th, 2024, Laura Hacker had just returned from North Dakota visiting family and was beginning to prepare for the upcoming teaching year at Payson Elementary. While her travels had her feeling fatigued, she was wearier than she would normally expect. Laura had upcoming plans to visit with her doctor for some ongoing routine checkups and precautionarily decided to move her appointment up. Just a few days later, she was getting escorted by the police to the ER due to her bloodwork coming back with abnormally low levels of hemoglobin so concerning they wanted to bring her in right away. Her doctor at Payson hospital urged her to head down to Phoenix that very night to see a specialist. Thanks to Laura’s great network of friends, she was driven down to the valley and admitted to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center where they later diagnosed her with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

After learning of her diagnosis, Laura’s first concern was for her incoming 1st grade students.

She is the most selfless and dedicated woman: to her faith, her family, her friends, and her students; so, it’s no surprise this was her first thought. Laura’s strong faith comforts her in this fight through AML and knows she is safe in His arms. This foundation provides her with a positive outlook and the ability to recognize God-winks each day.

The journey to recovery: Laura started chemotherapy on July 2nd and will continue to receive treatments through mid-August as a live-in patient at the hospital. After the initial intensive treatment is completed, Laura will need to relocate from Payson to live near the hospital in Phoenix for at least the subsequent 12 months. To do so, she will need a full-time caretaker or network of caretakers who will continue to monitor her health and transport her to all her future appointments. It is likely she will undergo multiple rounds of chemo, which could take as long as 6 months before remission may be achieved. Once Laura reaches remission, she will likely opt for a stem cell transplant and would be required to once again live in the hospital for a minimum of 100 days. Her doctors are currently working with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), formerly known as Be The Match, to find the perfect donor. Should you be interested in being a donor yourself for Laura or others like her, you can learn more at: BeTheMatch.org. Even if you are not a match for Laura, you may be the perfect match for another patient holding on to the same hope of finding a donor.

Laura has made a lasting impact on the town of Payson, and though she would never ask, her loved ones are asking on her behalf for your prayers and support. She has given so much to her students, fellow Paysonites, and all her friends and family over the years, we hope others will find this as an opportunity to give back to her, when her time of need has come. All money raised will go towards her medical expenses, new living arrangements, caretaker(s), and general living expenses that will no longer be covered due to her inability to work. Any form of support will mean a lot to our family and Laura in this difficult time, especially your prayers and visits.

With our sincerest gratitude, we thank you for your love and support of our irreplaceable mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, friend, and child of God, Laura Hacker.