One year ago today as I drove to my parent's house to celebrate my Dad's 61st birthday, I anxiously awaited phone calls from my friend Amanda with updates on Laura's condition. When arrived to my parent's house they told me that they were giving me an early Christmas present-a flight to Birmingham the next morning so I could see Laura. I asked Amanda to please tell Laura that I was on my way and that I loved her. I wanted to be there with Laura, her family and our friends, but living 10 hours away did not make that easy. Laura passed away later that night. I was devastated, but also glad that she was no longer suffering or in pain. She had her wonderful family and friends surrounding her and she knew that I was there in spirit and thinking of her every second.  I spent the next week in Birmingham with friends reminiscing about Laura.

As today approached, I didn't know how exactly to deal with the anniversary. My friends here in Dallas have been wonderful. We had a girls Christmas party yesterday and today I spent time with my family. At first, I thought ‘how horrible that the anniversary is on my Dad's birthday', but now I see it differently. It was great to be celebrating my Dad's life while also celebrating and remembering Laura's. I spoke with several mutual friends of my mine and Laura's as well. I won't say today was easy, but I feel being with my friends and family truly helped ease some of the pain. I'm also grateful today for what has been accomplished in Laura's memory. The Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation has done so many amazing and wonderful things this year. I'm proud to be a part of the foundation and carry on the memory of one of my closest friends. She will never be forgotten!