5/15/02
Hi Laura,
We were so bummed out to hear about your reoccurrence and all the crummy stuff you need to go through to get better again.  It's great, though, that Joelle is a perfect match for you.  That's such great news!  All the Bonners are checking up on you everyday and each evening before dinner, we pray for you and your family.  I'm sure with all the prayers come out of Avon, God can't help but listen. Just hang in there and know that, no matter how hard each step is, there will be an end to all of it.  You will come out at the other end and return to a normal life as a regular old high school student.  Katie is out on this chilly, windy day scooping water samples out of local streams for biology class.
Hopefully she won't fall in!  Just think, next year you get to do that fun stuff too!Take care and try to take strength from all the people who are pulling for your good health!
Love, Mrs. Bonner

5/15/02
Laura,
It is so wonderful that your sister is a perfect match for you! Sisters often do anything for each other, you two are very special in sharing even more than most sisters ever can. Now we are praying for you to be better so that you all can travel to Boston for the transplant soon! Our prayers are with you and are very happy for you to have a wonderful family! God is definitely watching over you! J

Lots of love,
Sushma

5/15/02
Hi Laura, I'm a very very old friend of your Aunt Darcy. In fact we went to grade school together & were inseparable for years. Yes, I can probably tell you some very funny stories about Darcy.... :-)  One story comes to my mind.... as we were walking home from school after a rain & there were puddles on the road, & you know sometimes gasoline or oil gets in the puddles from passing cars, & it makes this rainbow of colors..... anyhow, I told Darcy that if she stood in the puddle, she would turn into a mermaid!!! The crazy thing was....she BELIEVED me!!! I bet she still hasn't forgiven me for that one! Ask her one day!! Anyhow, I live in Montana & yesterday Darcy had told me about you, & emailed me your website. I want you to know that my thoughts & prayers will be with you while you beat this cancer! And I know you will...you look like a very tough gal, & I know you have alot of friends that are there for you! One day you will look back on all of this & through God's strength you will be there for others & give them hope! Take care Laura. Keep smiling.
Love Elaine

5/14/02
Laura;   I read your journal often and was so happy to hear that you, your mother and Joelle were going on a much needed vacation.  Uncle Jimmy really came through for you as he always does.  Unfortunately it seems that the vacation ended on a down note......but just temporarily......I know you will get through this.....I just wish Aunt Phyllis and I were closer so we could be more supportive.   My thoughts and prayers are with you, We love you in New Jersey, Aunt Toni

5/14/02
Hey Laura!
You may not know me, but my name is Steph Jarem, and I'm a junior at AHS.  I wanted to be sure to send you my love and prayers in this difficult time.  All that I've ever heard about you is that you have the most loving, warm-hearted upbeat spirit, and we need you back at school!  I also have heard about your beautiful voice, which I'd love to hear at our next cafe latte, either this year or next =) My heart is with you, and I can't wait to have you back!
Love, Steph

5/14/02
I didn't know whether to write you on your page or to you, but I chose the page. I just wanted to tell you that your voice (I heard you sing at Nikki's funeral) is wonderful, you truly have an amazing gift. I also admire you for your courage, not just because you can get in front of a crowd and sing beautifully, but because you are also battling cancer. I know you can beat it. Your strength is an inspiration to all those who read your page, and your ability to inspire others because of that is a great quality as well. It must be tough, but try and stay strong. You have a lot of people who are hoping and praying for you in the RHAM community (where Nikki went to school).
       ~A friend of Nikki's~

5/14/02
hey Laura,
       i don't think u know who this is, but it's beth mensi. I am sure you probably received many get well cards over these past few weeks. I just wanted to say that i hope you can over come this illness and live a healthy life. it was sad the first time that i heard you had cancer, but i know you'll fight through it. it was so exciting seeing you performed that song from pearl harbor that night at the high school. you were really good. you have a strong wonderful voice. i hope i can see you perform another time. it was sad not seeing you at confirmation but it is very generous and kind of that church that you were still able to get confirmed. it's so neat to see on commercials. i have only seen it a few times but i can pick you out because of your big bright smile. well i just wanted to wish you all the luck and hopefully you will receive all the love and care from your family and friends.
                                                  <3  love, <3
                                                             Beth

Hi Laura!
my name is Ari.....I'm 14 and I knew Nikki....although I don't know you--I just wanted to let you know that you are one amazing and very strong person!!.....and also--I wanted to tell you that I go to a catholic school and I'm going to have everyone pray extra extra hard for you...after all, I heard that catholic school kid's prayers get there to God twice as quick....hehehe
keep it up!!!!
love
Ari

ps....I forgot to tell you--You have an amazing voice!! I remember hearing
you sing at Nikki's funeral...and I'm tone deaf--so anyone that can sing as
well as you  absolutely amazes me!!  you have a real gift!  well--that's
all--I'm such a forgetful mess..................I'm lucky my head is attached
or I would lose that too.....or forget it somewhere
ari
 

5/14/02
Hey Laura
This is Jennie O'Brien from Avon High. I have an after school program with Joelle. Laura I am looking for ways to donate my bone marrow and I am really glad that you put the address of that woman on your site! Tara Newinsky and I decided to go together. Laura, you have faced more than most people will face in their lifetime. I have known many people in my life with cancer, and none have fought such a courageous battle. I remember being on stage with you at your concert and crying while you sang because you have this spirit that cannot be diminished by cancer. I was so sorry to hear that you had relapsed...I know that must have been one of the hardest things to hear. Laura stay strong. Behind your smile and your beautiful eyes, there is a heart that has seen pain, love, strength, disappointment, and recovery. You're faith in God is unmatched and we are all praying for you. Never give up Laura. Life is so precious and you are an example of courage. Thank you for your faith in God and your faith in yourself. You can beat this. I believe in you, girl.
Love always, and in my prayers
Jennie O'Brien

5/14/02

Hey Laura! I know we really haven't talked much in the past, but I just wanted to tell you that we all miss you and hope you get better soon! English and history class just aren't the same! And chorus especially!! The sopranos aren't alive without your amazing voice to guide us along!  And even though we have never been friends in the past, I just want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, and one of your close friends isn't there, and you don't want to talk to your parents, you can always talk to me if you wanted to.  I hope you feel better, and come back to school for one last visit before schools out.  There are only 27 days of school left! Get well soon!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
<3 always,
        Sarah Gagne

5/14/02

Hey Laura,
This is just Heather, one of your senior friends, sending you the best of wishes. I just wanted to tell you that I'm praying for you. I have always commended you for your strength and perseverance even after all you have gone through. You have been an inspiration to so many people. I'm here if you ever need anything. I know I haven't battled through cancer so I don't know exactly what it's like so I'm not going to pretend, but I do know what it's like to have to be in the hospital, and not being able to go to school, and getting better and then having a relapse of your disease, and everything else that goes with having something that you don't want to deal with. So if you want to just talk, more than likely I'm around. Chin up and I'll be thinking of you. Just keep doing whatever your doing, because your a real special person to so many people and we all care about you a lot.
Love,
Heather

5/14/02

Hi Laura!
       My name is Jess- I'm a friend of Nikki Giampolo.  I remember hearing you sing at her funeral.  You have a beautiful voice and inspiring courage.  I remember Nikki talking about you, and I know you're a wonderful person.  I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you.  I hope that know that your strength will help you win this battle.                 
                                                 From, Jess Sousa, Hebron

5/14/02

5/12/02
Thank you! Laura-Has the will to get thru this-unbelievable to me how it keeps showing up but God must have some kind of plan for her. Take care.

Love. Rosalie

5/14/02

Hi Laura,
       This is Barb Kasiewicz. I am sorry to hear you are back in the hospital. I don't blame you about flowers. My daughter bought me a beautiful Lily plant one year and I couldn't handle the heavy scent. I would much rather see flowers outside. I finally have some tulips in bloom, beautiful deep red blossoms and shiny green leaves. Usually the deer eat them before they bloom.
       It is very dry in Colorado right now. The state is under extreme dry conditions. I am praying that we do not have any fires around here! The fire fighters finally got the one down by Evergreen out, but it took quite a few days. That is far from here but still dangerous.
       I haven't found any cute postcards to send you lately. Will have to keep looking. Hope you like them. Judi, a friend of your Mom's and my sister-in-law was putting them on her wall at one time! Neat kind of wall paper.
       As for stuffed animals, I got a really cute little bear with a plaid scarf and tam for Christmas this year. I have it sitting on the headboard of my bed, along with my rainbow bear and a rabbit that I got for Easter that is wearing a little apron. All my daughters love stuffed animals. Santa Claus still brings my daughter Tara (who is 23 years old now) a teddy bear each Christmas! I made them nets out of yarn to suspend from the ceiling as they ran out of room to put them! If you get too many, you can always donate some to the children's hospital and to the fire department and police department to give out to children.
       Just wanted you to know we are thinking of you always. Give your mom and sister a hug for me. Love, Barb

5/14/02

Well, I am sorry that I did not get a chance to come see you this week.  I ended up getting a job interview and was out of town for two days, but it sounds like you needed a little peace and quiet after the week you had anyway.  I will most definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  You can count on that.  And if you want some easy arts and crafts to do let me know and I can at least drop them off at the hospital for you.  For now I will keep my eye on you through the web.  Keep up the good fight.  You are a strong young woman.  Talk to you soon!!!

Love-
Kaeley

5/14/02

5/14/02 Hey Laura, I just checked your web page and read all of your updates from the past few weeks.  I know that everything has been really hard, but please know that we are praying for you every day!!  You are an awesome young lady and God loves you very much! With lots of love, Pam at Precious Parcels

5/14/02

DEAR LAURA  I heard about your brave story I wish you all the best there are alot of people out there who believe in you , especially your aunt ramona she told me what a wonderful person you are, we at A FIT ABOVE  ARE THINKING of you. P.S. you can beat this just beleive in you. with love A FIT ABOVE

5/14/02
Hi Laura,  Just a short note to say hello and to let you know again that
I and your choral classmates miss you.  (the sopranos need you!!!)  I
know you are experiencing a set back just now, but I'm sure with your
positive spirit, determination, and the prayers of all who love you,
you'll be up and around soon.  I'll be checking on you again soon, too.
Until then, stay strong. 
Love, Ms Pruett

5/14/02
Dear Laura:
I want to tell you that you and your Mom and sister are in our prayers and
that we think of you very often.  We plan on contacting the bone marrow
donation information to be tested.  I know you will find a match very soon.
We send you our love.

Emily and Elena Ridenour and their Mom and Dad

5/14/02

Hi Laura,
So which one is getting you the convertible, Uncle Phil or Uncle Jim??? Either way I'll be waiting for a ride!! He He...  I miss you alot...We're all praying. Aunt Mona sends a big hug and lots of kisses. Greg does too.
I love you kiddo,
Love,
Your Favorite Cousin, (Had to add that in!!)
Jessica

5/10/02
Laura,
We all are praying for you and know you will pull through like a champ! You are beautiful – keep smiling!
Lots of love
Sushma

5/9/02
to let you know that Laura, and you and Joelle, are in my heart, my breathing, the prayer that is my life. ask Him what you need to. and never surrender.

always,
Scott

5/9/02
Col 1:24!!! I will have my Confirmation class offer Mass this Sunday for you and all involved.  May God's inexhaustible Grace and Mercy be poured upon you.
 jim

5/9/02
Hi Laura,
You continue to be in my daily prayers.  I firmly believe you will pull through like a trooper!  Keep that beautiful face smiling and remember all the people praying for you. You continue to be an inspiration for everyone.
Love,
Laurie Reynolds

5/9/02
Laura, I am so sorry you have relapsed.  When I met you it never occurred to
me you might need a bone marrow transplant in the future.  I would love to
work with your friends to add people tot he National Registry, maybe one can
save you.  Please have them call me right away.  My thoughts and prayers are
with you.

CarolAnn Baldwin
Community Education Specialist
New England Marrow Donor Program
209 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT 06032
*800-676-4545
*800-953-9129
*baldwinc@usa.redcross.org

5/9/02
I will call my priests friends to say Mass! And say a rosary today. All our love and prayers, Karen, Dmitri and Odin

5/8/02

5/8/02
Hi Laura I'm not sure if you know me, but my name is Tamara Grindrod and I am a senior at Avon High School. My brother is in your grade, and he talks about you often. Although I don't know you all that well, I am honored to be a part of what a wonderful girl you are. I was at the concert earlier this year and I saw you sing the song that you sang for your friend. I'll be honest, it made me cry, and I don't cry too easily. Watching you up there made me so proud of how strong you are. You are a very special person, and I wish you all the best luck. Know that we are all thinking about you daily. With love, Tamara

5/8/02
Hi Laura,
Thinking and praying for you constantly!! 
Did you see the brochure for your Sports Medicine fundraiser?  We rented Giant's Stadium for the event, and have a couple hundred doctors flying in from all over the country.  We will also have several Olympians there to sign autographs and tell stories of the Olympic Games.  They are going to give you something, but maybe we can have Joelle accept it for you.
This is only a temporary setback........you will be driving that convertible in no time!!!
Love,
Uncle Phil

5/8/02
Laura: I read your posted message today.  Know that we are all praying for you and you are always in our hearts and thoughts.  If someone can post some info re: bone marrow donation and/or we can perhaps, have a bone marrow search/drive for you in case Joelle is not a match, it will be beneficial.  Someone at CCMC should have this info available on who we can contact.  I would love to help get the ball rolling.  Please pass along my phone number to them or e-mail address when you are up to it.  Much love to you, Joelle and Mom.  The Squillaro's 

5/7/02
Hi Laura, this is Abby Wesley. I am just writing to say that I am thinking of you and you are in my prayers.  I don't know of anything else I can do through your hard time. I can't say that I know what you're going through because I can't even imagine it.  you are so strong to deal with this and you are fighting so well.  I have heard many things about your current condition, and if they are true, then you probably won't be reading this the day I send it.  I hope that everything is going well, and I pray that what I hear is not true.  I want you to know that I respect you so much and since you are going through this I look up to you. I don't know if I could do it.  you are going to be such a better person once this is all through, and I promise that it will end, and soon :).  You have already gotten so far and it is amazing to hear about how you are doing every day.  My prayers are with you, best wishes. 
Love Always,
Abby Wesley

5/7/02
Laura,
We wish you well and are praying for you! Hang in there, so many people love you and are praying for you.
Lots of love
Sushma

5/7/02

5/7/02
Hey Laura!
     Thanks for the e-mail!  I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better today!  I've been praying that it's not a reoccurrence!  I don't know how you could deal with all of that stuff going on while you were on the plane!  I know that I was embarrassed when they took me out of class in a wheel chair!  Well, I hope that the hospital isn't too boring for you.  You should ask about the Starbright World program because it will help out with the boredom.  Stay strong!
Kelly

5/6/02
It's Monday morning and I just read your entry.  First, I am very happy that you had a such a nice time on your trip. I know your mom was so excited about it.  Second, you  will be in my constant thoughts and prayers today.
Keep thinking positive.
Love
Laurie Reynolds

 5/6/02
hey, it's your favorite cousin...lol...how are you..school just ended (thank god) finals killed me...anyway...I hope you feel better soon...I have to run to work now, sorry I can't write much...
I love you,
give mommy and Joelle a kiss for me...
hugs and kisses,
Jessica

5/6/02
Hey Laura I'm so sorry to hear about everything. I'm going to visit you, I promise. I will call your mom and find out all the information about what room your in, where you are... how your doing... and then.. dum dum dum... I'LL FINALLY VISIT YOU! I miss talking to you, and I'm praying for you. I think about you all the time. I can't wait to see you. Your in my prayers hun, feel better
Mary

5/6/02
Wow girl you really rule.  Special escort from the plane and then a visit from the bishop to receive the sacrament of confirmation.  I must say you must have had a purple angel up there insuring that you did make it safely to Bradley and back to CCMC.  And someone must have had pull with the guy upstairs to get the church to send the Bishop to you.  Congrats on the big day and I must ask was that a record for CCMC.  Have they ever had the sacrament of confirmation performed there.

5/6/02
On another note I am sorry to hear about your recent medical stuff going on.  I hope this note finds you pain free, feeling a little bit more like yourself, and with an iv for antibiotics and not chemo.  I hope to that it will be a go for your double hip replacement so that you can rehab and boogie and start singing with that beautiful voice.  We are thinking of you hear and will be saying extra special prayers for you, your mom, and Joelle.  stay strong princess and hang in there.  best of luck, love jenn the crazy tutor

5/6/02
Dear Laura,
        I hope you feel better very soon. I just got confirmed and am about to have a party. I wish you could attend. We are all praying for you in your absence and I want you to know that you are not forgotten. We all miss you and hope to see you soon, healthy and well-rested. May God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit give you strength to get confirmed. I hope to see you soon and God bless you and your family.

5/6/02
Hi Laura,

     I am Ryan Fox's mom and I wanted to tell you you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I too had cancer and I know it is scary and painful and a drag, but you just keep fighting!!  So many people are pulling for you to feel better and get back to your normal life.  Hang in there Sweetie!!  Sincerely, Karen Fox

5/6/02
Hi Laura!

I was so delighted to hear that Bishop Macaluso ensured that you made your Confirmation today, after all.  You were so missed here at the St. Ann's service, but knowing you would receive the sacrament as well, somehow made the day feel complete, and more special.  Congratulations.

You were such a gift to your Confirmation classmates this year -- a living witness to the power of Faith.  I daresay you are further along in your faith journey than many of us adults -- we have ALL learned from you.  Now, we pray that your pain will soon subside and you'll be back among us, living the Faith you believe and showing us all how to face our challenges with courage; find peace in our lives; see God in others and experience joy in the little things.

Aside from being a Confirmation teacher, I am good friends with Daphne Vayos (Falsey), so she too keeps me up-to-date on your progress.  I look forward to hearing happy news from her soon.  Hang in there, sweetheart.  We all pray for you,

Susan Rietano Davey

5/6/02
Hi Laura,

I think of you often as I drive by your house (which is every day!).  I am praying for you and I hope you go home soon so that you can enjoy this nice weather.

Mrs. Zambrello

5/6/02
Laura,
       Hey! I hope you are feeling better! I just wanted to write a quick note saying that we really missed you yesterday and that you are in all of our prayers, especially mine.  I hope that you get better soon and are able to get back to school as soon as possible.. we all miss you!
                                                 Kathy

5/6/02
Hi Laura,

I think of you often as I drive by your house (which is every day!).  I am praying for you and I hope you go home soon so that you can enjoy this nice weather.

Mrs. Zambrello

5/6/02
Laura,  I hope you are feeling better!!  I was really confused when I saw your other screen name,  I know frosted lime and your dream name, but the value 1996,  Is this really you?  love Mrs. G :)
Note: Vlaue1996 is the address of the webmaster.
 

5/5/02
Hi Laura!
I was so delighted to hear that Bishop Macaluso ensured that you made your Confirmation today, after all.  You were so missed here at the St. Ann's service, but knowing you would receive the sacrament as well, somehow made the day feel complete, and more special.  Congratulations.

You were such a gift to your Confirmation classmates this year -- a living witness to the power of Faith.  I daresay you are further along in your faith journey than many of us adults -- we have ALL learned from you.  Now, we pray that your pain will soon subside and you'll be back among us, living the Faith you believe and showing us all how to face our challenges with courage; find peace in our lives; see God in others and experience joy in the little things.

Aside from being a Confirmation teacher, I am good friends with Daphne Vayos (Falsey), so she too keeps me up-to-date on your progress.  I look forward to hearing happy news from her soon.  Hang in there, sweetheart.  We all pray for you,

Susan Rietano Davey5/5/02
It is Sunday afternoon and I find myself thinking of all three of you.  I do hope you know how many people care so very much for you.  You are in our prayers and thoughts all the time.
I do hope Laura is more comfortable now - I know this is supposed to be confirmation day.
We will continue our prayers and good thoughts!!  
Lots of Love, Anne & Michael

5/5/02
Hi Laura,     
I am Ryan Fox's mom and I wanted to tell you you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I too had cancer and I know it is scary and painful and a drag, but you just keep fighting!!  So many people are pulling for you to feel better and get back to your normal life.  Hang in there Sweetie!!  Sincerely, Karen Fox

5/4/02
Dear Joanne, I wish you were here or I was there, so I could give you a big hug! Our computer crashed with a virus  and only now are we back on it. Pat Clark said he had received an e-mail from you ........Craig brought a copy home from work but it is only now that I have been able to get on ours. Enough is enough.....I hurt for you all and wish there was something I could do to make things better. Your Rotarian friends
are just as concerned and surround you with love and prayers. I want you to know that $1000.00 is being placed in your Fleet account and the Rotarians are dedicated to the Relay For Life.....yes, they even went home with Pink Ribbons for the mailboxes to bring awareness to breast cancer and the Race For the Cure. Together we will lick this dreadful disease..... there is not a soul that isn't touched by this monster. I am so glad you were able to go on your vacation and I hope some of the finer memories are carrying you through these difficult days. While you may feel alone, believe me, you are not! We love you and your family and just wait for the opportunities to lend a helping hand. I will keep a watchful eye on your web site. .Wrap the Prayer Shawl tight.....the prayers are powerful....love you,
Nancy

5/4/02
Joanne –
My prayers are with Laura through the day.  I also pray for guidance and comfort for you and Laura.  Just to know.  A few verses, in case they help: 

Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.                Isaiah 41:10

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  Psalm 91:11
With Christian love,  Joan

5/4/02  all our prayers are with you aunt Jo...love Jess, Greg and Mona (yes mom is back)

5/3/02
Hey there kiddo-
 I heard that there was a bumpy landing to your fabulous trip.  Sorry to hear about that, but I am sure that you created some wonderful memories.  I hope that everything went well with the surgery today.  Mrs. Huffman filled me in.  I will say an extra prayer for you tonight.  I have connections up there, so let's see what they can do.  Keep your chin up, and keep smiling.  Yes, Yes, I know that is easier said than done, but I have a feeling that it is hard to stop your smile.  Maybe there is a chance I can come visit.  If you are bored and you want some company.  We can talk about anything since there is so much that we do not know about one another.  It could be fun.  Or I could bring a game or movie and we could just chill.  Anything you want.  Well, it is getting late and it's bed time.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Good night and sleep tight.  Don't let the bed bugs bite.  Take care!!! and don't forget......Keep Smiling :o)           
Love-Kaeley  (Nikki's swim coach) -I bet you know that by now.  

5/3/02
Laura,   You are having some really tough days, Michelle and I want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.  Barbara Millerick