Laurie grew up in Swansea, Massachusetts, but eventually moved to Jacksonville Beach, Florida, leaving behind snowy winters for sunny days. Even in such a beautiful place, life brought unexpected challenges. A simple doctor’s visit for a swollen gland led to a life-changing diagnosis: Stage III throat cancer.
Laurie had enjoyed many years of business success, but now he faced a medical challenge that pushed him to his limits. His treatment was tough: he had a tonsillectomy, seven rounds of chemotherapy, thirty-five rounds of radiation, and thirty-five steroid infusions. The side effects after treatment were just as difficult, including losing sixty-five pounds, worsening eyesight, constant fatigue, hearing loss, loss of taste, dental problems, dry mouth, restless leg syndrome, and drop foot, among others.
On May 28, 2021, Laurie finally reached the milestone he had worked so hard for: remission.
Going through cancer made Laurie even more committed to resilience and helping others. Back in 1992, he started another important journey in his life by choosing sobriety and taking it one day at a time. By 2026, he had reached 34 years of continuous sobriety, showing over 12,560 days of steady courage, discipline, and grace. The same one day at a time approach he learned in recovery helped him face cancer and everything that came after.
Now, Laurie uses both his experiences with sobriety and surviving cancer to help others. He writes and speaks about the importance of staying resilient, feeling empowered, and keeping a sense of humor during tough times. I find myself increasingly committed, as an expression of gratitude, to sharing my cancer journey, he explains. I want others to know they are not alone—you don’t have to face this battle by yourself. After all, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.
Laurie encourages people to face both business and personal health challenges with strength in mind, body, and spirit. He strongly supports groups like the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance, highlighting their importance in providing inclusion, guidance, and a sense of community for patients and survivors. He often talks about how dangerous it can be to isolate yourself and feel hopeless, reminding everyone that connection and support are not just nice to have—they are necessary.
Laurie’s story shows grit, gratitude, and the lasting power of humor and humility. He proves what can happen when we choose not to face our toughest times alone.
