Laura Hendricks, a 40-year-old mother of three, received a life-altering diagnosis after taking her children to the paediatrician for a routine visit. Little did she know that this visit would lead to the discovery of her own health condition. Laura noticed that she was feeling fatigued after returning from a business trip to London, but attributed it to the demands of motherhood. However, the paediatrician noticed something amiss with her health and insisted on further examination.
During a doctor’s visit, the shocking truth emerged – Laura Hendricks had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive form of cancer that affects the bone marrow’s production of blood cells. AML, which typically occurs in adults over the age of 60, has a yearly incidence rate of just 4 in 100,000 adults. The diagnosis came as a shock to Laura, but she knew that immediate attention was necessary.
Laura Hendricks spent seven gruelling months in the hospital, undergoing intense chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Her immune system was wiped out, but her determination to be there for her children served as a driving force in her battle against cancer. After the transplant, she achieved remission and has been cancer-free for five years.
However, Laura’s journey did not end with remission. She faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life physically and emotionally. With the support of her husband, Brock, she identified lifestyle changes that aided her recovery, such as prioritizing sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and addressing the emotional toll of cancer. This sparked an idea – could these changes help other cancer survivors as well?
Laura and Brock Hendricks founded Luminaries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding cancer survivors in their post-treatment phase. Luminaries offers self-care kits and resources to help survivors build healthy habits and face life after cancer with resilience. Recognizing the challenges many survivors face in accessing support, especially if they live far from treatment centres, Luminaries seeks to bridge this gap by providing crucial resources and guidance.
The mission of Luminaries is to ensure that every survivor has access to the tools and support needed to navigate life beyond cancer treatment. Laura, reflecting on her own journey, expresses her desire to make survivorship easier for others. Through Luminaries, she and her husband are making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors, providing them with the support they need to thrive.
Laura Hendricks’ story serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of cancer survivors and the importance of finding support during and after treatment. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the positive impact one person can make in the lives of others.