About the Author

My name is Laura and I am a baby-booming, coffee-loving, retired medical laboratory scientist, who’s recently discovered I have a penchant for writing.

In 2013, I was diagnosed with anal cancer, and, having researcher tendencies, I hit the world wide web for all the statistics and positive stories that I could find. Most of what I found was about the lovely Farrah Fawcett, and she, unfortunately, did not survive. I became discouraged.

I started a blog to describe my experiences, thinking that it may be a benefit for someone else. There had to be others, also frustrated, because of a lack of both knowledge and shared personal experiences from those who had “been there”.

Much to my surprise, the blog had over 13,000 hits from 40 countries, which told me there was some interest out there. (not everyone stumbled upon that site)

With my husband’s insistence and a healthy urging from family and friends, I jumped into the realm of beginning a manuscript. I’m not going to lie, it was intimidating, but advocacy and helping others was something I was passionate about. I pressed on. After getting through the treatments and discovering how to manage side effects, I knew there was something I could offer. I also realized that meant baring my soul to the world because my story is not a pretty one. I took a deep breath and determined I was going all in.

As the book was nearing completion and I had been providing patient support along the way, my life has taken a major turn for the amazing. I have spent hours on the phone, writing emails and answering questions in support groups. I’ve gotten to know incredible survivors across the country and from other parts of the world.

I’m so glad that you’re here and I hope the book will be an encouragement to you or someone you know.

The site is in its early stages, but I’ll soon be taking orders here for books and merch.

For now, books may be ordered at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Barnesand noble.com, Powells.com and BookBaby.com (bookstore).

The official release was May 20, 2024 and if Amazon runs out stock, they are quick to reorder, so it won’t be long before the book will be in your hands.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.