Co-Workers Help Windham Mother Who Died Of Breast Cancer

On November 6th, Laci Hanken passed away at the age of 35 after a five year battle with breast cancer.  Her co-workers at Spurwink set out to fulfill her wish...

I was completely moved by Laci's story and the passion from her co-workers who want to help the family. It was Laci's last wish to make sure that her newly adopted daughter and husband were okay. Here is what they say about Laci in their fundraising efforts:

To know Laci was to be influenced by her. While an endless number of wonderful words could be used to describe her, the ones most prevalent are strong and selfless. The extent of Laci's strength and selflessness became evident very quickly after she began working at Spurwink 2 and ½ years ago, as she discovered her breast cancer had metastasized to her liver and bones.

 

Upon being told this devastating news, Laci did not cower or retreat.  The very next day, she came to work with a smile on her face, excited to do what she loved: helping others.  She remained grateful in the face of uncertainty, always mindful of the moments along her journey.  She respected the circumstances and struggles all around her, never comparing her life experiences to those of another.

 

As her illness worsened over the last 6 months, her positivity, altruism, and commitment to her profession remained.  She stayed active in the milieu in spite of her own physical pain, never veering away from a child who could benefit from her support even when walking was uncomfortable for her.  She passed her LCPC exam the day after learning that she would need to start chemotherapy again.  She stayed informed and energetic in her quest to raise funds and spread the word about the need for cancer research, participating in the Dempsey Challenge and Relay for Life, Team Lace Em Up, regularly.

 

She enjoyed many adventures with her devoted husband and beautiful daughter, making plans for their future and never allowing cancer to be a deterrent in generating such plans.  She came to work up until the week before she passed.  In short, Laci LIVED every single day.  Being diagnosed as "terminal" did not define or dictate who she was.

 

As we move forward without Laci's physical presence, her message and legacy will endure through the words and actions of many. If you would like to honor Laci's memory, please consider making a donation to one of the following, Metavivor.org for metastatic breast cancer research or Betty J Borry Breast Cancer Retreats. Laci's request when asked what coworkers and friends could do to help was to do something for her family. In her true selfless Laci form, she was not concerned about her own death but with her husband and young daughter’s lives moving forward and being able to grieve without having any financial burden/stress.

This is a tough time of year to ask for money. There are so many in need, but if you can help this single dad and his 5-year-old daughter, well... thank you. If you are not in a position to help right now, I completely understand. Please share Laci's story.

Thank you.