I love stories where people get what’s coming to ‘em!
No, I don’t mean bad-guys comeuppance stories (although I DO enjoy an occasional one). I’m talking stories of deserving individuals who do the right thing and never expect thanks or special attention.
Take Florida resident Laura Anderson.
One of Laura’s sons, Dawson, has common variable immune deficiency (CVID), a disorder that makes him super susceptible to infection from foreign invaders such as bacteria or, more rarely, viruses.
People with CVID often develop recurrent infections in the lungs, sinuses, and ears and pneumonia is a common problem. They can also be all too familiar with gastrointestinal infections and inflammation that causes diarrhea and weight loss.
In other words, CVID is a pretty crappy thing to have—especially if you’re a kid. And if you’re a mom of that CVID kid, it can break your heart and drain away your time and energy.
But not only does Laura take care of her 12-year-old son, she volunteers for many different service organizations. She soothes the fears and answers the questions of other parents who are just starting their own journeys helping their CVID child navigate the world. She also started volunteering with the canine assistance service organization that trained her son’s furry helper, and—because she has another son in the military—she’s an active USO volunteer.
I don’t know how she does it all!
But mostly, I’m happy someone recognized Laura’s awesomely awesome awesomeness and nominated her for the “Cabot Community Celebrity” program run by the Cabot Creamery Cooperative. If anyone deserved to win a cruise to sunny Caribbean islands, it’s Laura!
So, sail on into that sunshine and bit of relaxation, Laura, with all of our admiration and thanks!
Who’s your favorite real life hero? They can be a caregiver or someone living with a chronic condition–either way, they’re the kind of person we want to hear about! Leave a comment on Patient Worthy.
