This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Community Unites to Save Lives

Inspired by a local cancer patient and friend, the Media community will participate in a blood drive.

August 27, 2010 was the day that changed Laurie Koons Harper’s life forever. It was on that day the 37 year old found out that she had cancer. Harper has lived in Media all her life, and studied at . She has worked at since the summer of 1998, and was at work when she received the phone call.

"Fortunately, my mom happened to be there. My first thought was, 'How is she going to react?' Then, I went outside and cried, and thought, 'I gotta fight like hell for my little girl,'" Harper recalls.

That little girl’s name is Zoe, and she’s a vivacious, talented 8 year old, who is very close to her mom. Harper says her daughter has been an inspiration to her since the whole painful ordeal began.

Find out what's happening in Mediawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It was the middle of summer when Harper realized something was just not right. Though doctors do not typically suggest having a mammogram before age 40, Harper says she thought she had an infection in one of her breasts, and her doctor told her to have the test in case. Shortly after the mammogram, Harper learned she had inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare cancer that develops rapidly. Doctors consider it a locally advanced cancer.

From the moment of the diagnosis, Harper experienced a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness, to fear, to anger, and realized she has to do whatever necessary to beat this disease, for herself, her daughter, her family and friends. The treatment has been quite aggressive.

Find out what's happening in Mediawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It consists of chemo and surgery, followed by radiation. I have gone through six treatments of chemo, and had a bilateral mastectomy on Jan. 17," she says.

Harper is now undergoing intensive radiation. She has to go five days a week for six and a half weeks total. She also receives Herceptin, which is a drug that stops the growth of cancer cells. She visits the doctor every three weeks to get it intravenously, and must do so for the next seven months. Harper’s doctors decided to treat her with chemo first in order to shrink the tumor, then do the mastectomy. It was after her fourth treatment her doctors said her blood counts were low, and recommended a blood transfusion. Understandably, this was not welcome news for Harper.

"I was so freaked out when I found out I had to have the transfusion. I didn’t know what to expect. It really grossed me out," she says.

After finding out she had to undergo the transfusion, Harper’s co-workers and friends at The Plumstead began talking about hosting a community blood drive, to help people like Harper who are in desperate need of blood. Harper, who had to eventually have a second transfusion, says it warmed her heart that her experience, prompted her friends to take action.

"It would’ve been so much easier having a transfusion from somebody I knew. Finding out they were having a blood drive, and I was the inspiration, touched me so much. Knowing our friends are coming together to help others in need makes me so proud," says Harper.

This incredibly strong woman is one example of the many lives that can be saved, helped, and touched, by donating blood. In fact, according to the American Red Cross, one pint of your blood can save three lives.

Jill Carpenter Daws, of the Red Cross’ Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region, stresses the importance of blood drives, like the one Media will host this Sunday. 

"This time of year, it is imperative that blood donors come out since we have lost countless donations due to winter weather. There are several blood types that are in short supply in the region," says Daws. "Veteran donors and new donors are encouraged to find a blood drive in their community and give the gift of life."

More than one million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to Red Cross figures. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during chemotherapy treatment. It is caring people, like those in the Media community, who recognize this fact, and hope to help out however possible.

If you would like to donate, visit the on March 13, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The total process will take about an hour of your time. The Red Cross recommends signing up for an appointment if you can, by visiting their Web site.

The Red Cross appreciates each person’s time and donation, as do people like Harper. Having the encouragement and concern of those around her has made this difficult time a bit easier, she says.

"I have such a great support system. Friends and family have really helped me through this. Without their love and support, I don’t think I would be doing this well," she says. "Plus, I have no choice, but to be strong for my daughter. She deserves to have a mother who will fight to see her grow up."


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?