Beautiful Warrior Story: Laurie Van Beek

This blog post is part of an ongoing series that highlights Hope Clothing GB’s Beautiful Warrior Program. Laurie Van Beek was nominated and took part in a shopping spree because of all of you. The following is Laurie Van Beek's story in her own words:
So my journey began June of 2019 at the age of 49 with a diagnosis of triple positive, invasive ductal carcinoma a very aggressive breast cancer.  Not how I planned on beginning my summer. 

It was the most terrifying news to try and wrap around my head.  These things happen to other people, not me!  Not possible, I’m having a nightmare possibly??  My life literally took a 360 dedgree turn in a matter of a day or two.  I’m pretty sure I walked around in a fog and a daze during every appointment that first two weeks.  Thank God for my amazing husband and family and of course friends and coworkers. They seriously saved me from having a mental breakdown.  

Fast forward to having a port placed, beginning a chemo cocktail of four different poisons for the next 4-5 months, then a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, infections which delayed further chemo treatment that I had to endure for another year, and an unfortunate blood transfusion…life was certainly anything but the same.
 
Of course chemo was not fun…at…all…but I was so unbelievably fortunate to have such rock solid support. Everything from food, gifts to help keep my spirits up, visits and check-ins from everyone….the love was almost overwhelming at times, however Im not sure I would have made it without these things.
  
God is good. 

My prognosis is good at this point but of course every ache and pain I have makes my head crazy with scary thoughts of reoccurrence  I just have to stay positive and trust God’s plan.

Thank you Crystal and Hope Clothing for putting a smile on my face and for keeping hope alive….it means the world!!  What a beautiful way to “give back” to cancer survivors and warriors. 💪❤️

As they say “it takes a village” because we all known-or have someone we love who is currently battling or has lost their battle to cancer…loving and supporting one another is the key to hope and survival. 

2 comments

Laurie you are truly an inspiration for anyone who has battled cancer! Your ability to share your realistic emotions hits home to all who hear your story. God has answered our prayers! Continue your positive attitude and trust in God’s plan! Love and miss you! Shanna😘❤️🙏🏻

Shanna Jason (DeBriyn) December 07, 2021

Laurie,you are one of the bravest,and beautiful ladies I know.

Lois Brown December 07, 2021

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published