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From: Laura Ann Dowling to her family

My name is Laura Ann Dowling and I am a twenty three year old who recently finished treatments for Hodgkin’s Disease. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s last August while in California where I was volunteering with a Topsail Youth Program based in San Pedro. I went through the grueling Chemotherapy and radiation treatments between October and March and am now in remission.

I would like to make a dedication to my family. I feel blessed to experience such unconditional- beyond-Earth love and support. My mom and dad, Paula and Bob Dowling, my Auntie Anne-Marie Kennedy, and my Auntie Geraldine Dowling were with me through all of the treatments and all of my days. And also to Bob and Joanne Ebba and Alice Robinson who became my family while in California while struck with the trauma of diagnosis. I am truly amazed by all the incredible people in my life, my family and friends.

I feel that this Disease taught me that the most important thing in life is the connection of body, mind, and spirit, and the connection we have to Earth. My fiery passion for life has increased a hundred fold over the past year..... I wake up every morning now and directly go outside on the grass with my bare feet and I greet the day and give thanks for it.

I have been working as a leader at Earth Education camps and plan to study at Kings college this September and sometime down the road, become a teacher. In my life I shall continue to strive for Peace, Love, and Connection, with Earth, with Others, and with Myself.