Laurie Laaker, office coordinator, Oncology Infusion Center, retires October 10 after 39 years of service.
She began her career as a unit secretary on a medical-surgical unit for 13 years. Laurie then moved to the Radiology Department and to the Blessing Breast Center for 17 years, spending the final years of her career in the Blessing Cancer Center’s Oncology Infusion Center.
As a member of the Blessing Breast Center staff, Laurie was part of the team that organized the first-ever Blessing Breast Cancer Awareness Apparel Sale in 2006. The event continues today, benefiting the Center’s patients who have financial needs.
“It grew from our manager’s vision of a t-shirt with the message, “Think Pink”, to the current collection of different colors, designs, apparel pieces and accessories available for purchase, and supported to this day by our employees and our community,” she said.
Over the past 19 years, members of the communities Blessing serves have joined in the breast cancer awareness and fundraising effort, organizing events that include school pink nights, bowling events and 5K walks.
“I am most proud of these outreach and fundraising activities and so very grateful to have been a part of them all,” Laurie said.
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I have been given to work alongside the best in caring for our patients. I have made many good friends and feel very blessed. I have lots of fond memories and will miss everyone much,” she concluded.
A Quincy resident, Laurie is a 1978 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. She says she looks forward to being able to spend more time with her husband, children and grandchildren, making even more memories.