Meet Laurie

Magic Moments is very close to my heart.

I was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma around 6 weeks old. At the time, I was the youngest case that Children’s of Alabama had seen. The team there was incredible as I underwent chemotherapy and surgery in the months that followed my diagnosis. Of course, at this time I was too young to decide on a “moment” since the minimum decision-making age was 4 years old. Understandably, my parents were very shocked that they were approached and told that I could save my “moment” for when I was old enough to decide. They had never heard of Magic Moments until this time.

When I turned 4, I knew immediately what I wanted. Unlike some kids I didn’t want a trip to Disney, or to meet a celebrity. All I wanted was a computer that I could have at home. Thanks to the team at Magic Moments, this wish was granted, along with several games, in a conference room at Children’s of Alabama.

I think it’s really amazing that I was still given a moment after I was better. At the time of my wish, I was still being monitored but there were no signs of cancer. To me then, and still now, that is such a special thing. It made this 4-year-old feel really special.

Since I was so young at the time of my diagnosis, the medical team really couldn’t say what my future would look like. If there would be lasting health, developmental, or growth delays caused by the cancer or the chemotherapy. They couldn’t say if I would be able to have children, or if the cancer would be repetitive. But God’s plan was so much better than they could have imagined.

Skipping forward to 2023, I have a wonderful husband and 1 year old daughter. I am the Chief Financial Officer of Burton Campers, Inc. and get to work alongside my family every day. I have a bachelor’s degree in business, and a master’s degree in accounting from UAB.

We participate in the BHM 26.2 every year as a sponsor from the business standpoint. My husband and sister-in-law along with some of our employees ran in the 5K last year as well.

We also have a charity sale each year where a portion of our proceeds are donated to a local charity. Magic Moments was the recipient of our 2^nd annual charity sale in 2018.

I aspire to continue our involvement every year and continue to increase our involvement as well. I want as many children as possible to have that magic moment that I did.

I have been blessed more than you could imagine and my heart breaks for those that don’t get the outcome that I did. Magic Moments makes that bearable.