Woman Mistakes Deadly Illness For Perimenopause
Mother Embraces Life After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
Laura Dawson, 44, was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2023 after months of symptoms. Though initial treatment seemed promising, the cancer returned and spread. She stopped chemotherapy to spend meaningful time with her husband Ben and their two sons.
“Some of the happiest days of my life have been in the last few weeks,” Laura said. “Since then I’ve lived more fully than I’ve ever done and that has been a gift.”
Supported by St Christopher’s Hospice, Laura spent her final weeks at home and later in hospice care. Ben said, “Everyone there was so compassionate and so caring… it made Laura’s last few days so good for her.”
Knowing death was near brought emotional clarity. “She died knowing she is loved and that we will miss her endlessly,” said Ben. Laura left lasting mementos and messages, hoping her story would help others face death with openness and peace.
