In Loving Memory AlwaysIn Loving Memory AlwaysIn Loving Memory AlwaysIn Loving Memory Always

Laurie was born on April 6, 1987 and raised in southern New Hampshire. She is deeply missed by her parents, sister, most dedicated partner, Stephen, and extended family.

She has most recently built a successful career and happy life in upstate South Carolina where she loved her patients, her career, the Clemson Tigers, custom vehicles, and her cat - Oreo.

She graduated from Husson University (where she contributed to winning multiple titles on the women's soccer team) as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. 

We are building a slide show and would love to add your memories. Please email your photos and notes to us at lauriemelen@gmail.com. We encourage you to visit her on Facebook and share.

In May 2017, Laurie was diagnosed with advanced cancer at age 30. We were stunned. She has undergone multiple chemo treatments, surgical procedures, and radiation. 

We encourage anyone with any family history of cancer to talk to their doctors about potential genetic screening – the more you know, the more you can control your future. Both Laurie and her mother carry a BRCA2 genetic condition that predisposes them to a cancer diagnosis. Did you know there is a simple saliva test that can identify this condition in a matter of days? The earlier it is discovered, even as a child, the more options exist for prevention and treatment. Our mission is to pass this critical information to as many people as we possibly can. This information could literally save a life and it is so, so simple to find.

In January 2019, Laurie completed roughly 33 of the 46 miles in the Disney Dopey Challenge and raised over $10,000; she wanted to return and complete the event, so of course her family and friends registered to join her in 2020. We will be in Disney completing a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon over a 4 day span in January for Marathon Weekend, returning in February for the Princess events (roughly 20 miles in 3 days), and again in May for the Star Wars event. Laurie set high goals and we think she would still expect us to follow through with our commitment. We are honored to train and run in her memory. We are so grateful for any support you can lend toward surpassing our $15,000 fundraising goal for 2020.