Laurie's Journey

Laurie Roth teaches special education in the public school system. Linda Jones works in the insurance industry. When a cocker spaniel named Max brings the two together at the local dog park, their love story begins.

That story takes a devastating turn in May of 2008, when Laurie learns she has breast cancer. Linda, now her life partner, keeps friends and family updated via continuous e-mails that eventually turns into a blog. "Laurie's Journey: Love Always Wins" compiles those writings to tell their story of love, hope, and courage.

The updates share details about Laurie's chemotherapy and overall health status, but more importantly they show how determined she is to keep living life to the fullest with Linda and the many animal members of their family. Laurie even continues her pet therapy visits to area nursing homes, no matter how weak or exhausted she feels.

Linda eventually decides to share Laurie's journey with a wider audience than friends and family, whom they refer to as Laurie's Lifesavers, to prove that love always wins, despite even the most difficult journeys in life.