For some people, breast cancer can be a hard lesson to swallow. There are those, however, who look on the bright side and learn that it can help you find the courage to pursue your dreams. We hope you enjoy Laura’s story as much as we did!
Laura with her lovely locks all grown back
In ’03 when my kids were 11 & 7 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 42 yrs, the picture of health running 10K a day/4-5 days a week with a healthy diet and happy outlook on life. Lesson #1, cancer picks who it wants.
I didn’t feel ‘sick’ till the chemo. When my hair started falling out I cut it all off, made some braids with my daughter and sewed them to my bandana. My kids were afraid to see me bald, too much change for them and I looked sick to them with my bald head. I wore this bandanna knowing people might be thinking ‘she’s a biker chick”, when I’m really a soccer mom. I just didn’t want the stares of pity.
In doing this desperate act of recycling I’d unknowingly planted a seed for my future. Lesson #2, necessity is the mother of…kooky head gear.
After treatment I met a sewing ‘guru’ teacher and approached her with an idea for recycling of a different kind. I’d been an interior decorator for years and hated the waste of all those gorgeous designer sample fabrics going to our bloated landfills. I had an idea to divert the landfill and reinvent these leftover fabrics into a line of handbags. I had the vision, she had the know-how and our company Echoes in the Attic was born.
Some of the many lovely bags of Echoes in the Attic
Cancer is 6 years in my rear-view and our recycling, redesigning company is 4. We now have our upcycled handbags in 65 stores across Canada, launching in the U.S., 8 e-tailers and our own webstore. We’ve been in countless National magazines and on TV and all thanks to an event I would have never believed, as it was happening to me, that it would inspire me to such heights of happiness and following my dream. My kids now see a thriving, recycling designer mom with a full head of hair and a fantastic future of helping the planet. Lesson #3, sometimes when we think we have no choice, we can still choose our outlook and what we will do with what we’ve been given.
Green Regards,
Laura
http://www.echoesintheattic.com/
When Laura emailed us back with photos, her response to why she wanted to share her story was so wonderful, we have to share it with you too:
I was so determined during my treatment to only allow positive stories into my world. I’d even put my hand up (like Diana Ross) and STOP people if they were going to a place in a story that had a negative outcome, and ask that if it wasn’t a happy ending to refrain from telling me the rest. Surrounding yourself with positivity is key to healing and being able to recount my story for anyone looking for the silver lining is an honor for me.
I have known Laura for a long time and she has always been an inspiration to me. I am so happy for all her accomplishments. You go girl!
laura is a good friend of mine and durning the months of chemo and radiation i stood along side of her offering her my support and my services which is reflexolgy. i went to her bedside and did my healing work. we talked about what she was going through and what would be coming next. i never had a doubt that laura would not pull through this battle. i cannot believe that six years have passed so fast but that is good because she is now healthy and happy with her business. i sm so proud to call her my friend. she has taught me that staying on the side being positive will bring much more to your life than you ever expected.
terri graziano
You are too sweet Maureen! Thank you for this.
Thanks Teri: Those reflexology sessions were a highlight for me…good therapy too…you’ll be an amazing therapist in the very near future…follow your dreams.
Lou and I met in college too long ago! We hit it off instantly and through the years of my gypsy meandering we have remained friends. Time passes between our connections and visits but when we do get together that connection is still there. We did loose touch at the time of her battle.(I was MIA) When we reconnected I was grateful that with her new locks our bond was intact. After sharing the memories of her struggle her internal light was still brilliant! I’m thankful for having her in my life once in a blue moon, and that her strenghth and positive outlook has given all of us whom love her more time to share. Keep on keepin on you “Dart Swingger”!XO
Lulu is my baby sister. We have had the usual sibling rivalry over the years but as adults we are like two peas in a pod. When she was diagnosed ,the thought of losing my best friend was so overwhelming that I could barely speak( usually she finishes my sentences for me). We live on opposite sides of the country so I was not able to support her physically during her treatment but I hoped that she felt me with her every step of the way, emotionally and spiritually.
I am so proud of her positive and courageous spirit that it inspired me to follow my dream of starting my own little recycled jewellery business.
She is my purse makin’, cancer beatin’, bringin’ home the bacon and fryin’ it up in a pan, family lovin, recyle bargain shoppin’, fun lovin’,good time havin’ baby sister and I love her to pieces. You go Lulu!
Your big sis, Em
Zuback: Thank you for this. Wow, so sweet you dart-swinger you! Can you believe we met 30 years ago! If ever there was a no-maintenance friendship…ours is. It’s like we’ve never been apart when we see one another with major time spans in between.
Hoping life is bringing you all the things you so deserve. A little gallery showcasing your amazing talents perhaps.
Love ya,
Lou