For the past 3 years, Laura Rotunno has been battling Stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. What started as possible pneumonia in July of 2022 evolved into a devastating diagnosis, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and numerous emergency hospital visits and stays.
In 2024, Laura was expected to undergo surgery to remove her left lung. Unfortunately, a few days before her scheduled surgery, they discovered that the cancer was present in her right lung, as well. Thus, the surgery was cancelled.
After finding that the cancer was present in both lungs and exhausting all outlets of medical intervention, it was determined that Laura could be a candidate for Northwestern Medicine’s DREAM (Double Lung Transplant REgistry Aimed for Lung-limited Malignancies) Program, an observational study. Through this study, clinicians provide double lung transplants to eligible patients, and they observe, monitor and evaluate its effectiveness as a treatment.
In late February, we had to call 911 for the first time. The disease had progressed to the point where Laura could no longer breathe on her own, and she was hospitalized for several weeks to treat hypoxia and subsequential health issues. Following this medical emergency, Laura relied on portable and home oxygen machines to breathe properly.
In late April, her care team discovered a pulmonary embolism in her lung after a routine CT scan, as well as 2 additional blood clots behind each of her knees. After staying at Northwestern Memorial for a few days, she was released on Mother’s Day in time for dinner with her family.
Laura was accepted into the Program and placed on the transplant list on May 20, 2025.
On May 29, we received the call from her transplant team that it was go-time.
On May 30 (the 10th birthday of her best friend, Koda, the family German Shepherd), Laura underwent a successful double lung transplant.
On June 5 (our 33rd wedding anniversary), Laura was moved out of the ICU.
As of today, June 13, it has been 2 weeks, and Laura continues to show incredible improvements in her recovery. Every day is a little better than the last. The next goal is for her to move to Shirley Ryan AbilityLAB to continue her rehabilitation.
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It has been a long, arduous, and emotional journey leading up to this point, and we’re incredibly grateful to have had this chance. It’s amazing to see how well she’s doing just two weeks after the surgery; her grit, positivity, and sense of humor never faltering during this entire process.
We anticipate for Laura to come home in early July. My priorities will change dramatically following her return. My daughter and I will be her support team over the next several months – one of us must be at home with her at all times. I will be her primary caretaker, therefore limiting my ability to continue working as I have.
While battling cancer, Laura insisted on continuing to work, and did so until she literally couldn’t anymore (until the ambulance call in February). Working in the medical field, she was blessed with an immediate circle of support – her coworkers and colleagues. We are so grateful to all of them.
We’re hoping to raise funds to cover past and future medical expenses, including bills for her surgical procedure, hospital stays, and life-long transplant medications. Donations will also help to offset our loss of income as she recuperates.
Any contribution is immensely appreciated, no matter the size. Please consider sharing this fundraiser page to help us reach anyone who may be willing to provide assistance.
Thank you very much for your support, love, and prayers.
Take care,
Rich Rotunno
