Event remembers Lauralee's legacy

Editor's note: Leeanna Gardner is the daughter of the late Lauralee Krabill, a 19-year survivor of breast cancer. Gardner previewed an upcoming event she's helping to coordinate, which remembers and honors her mother's legacy. The event also encourages women to recognize the importance of early detection and testing. SANDUSKY — Lauralee Krabill was known by many different endearing names and honorable titles across her community: • She was "mom" to me. • She was known as "yeah, yeah" to her grandkids. • She was a friend to others. • She was a leader in nursing, creator of Sandusky Schools' LPN (licensed practical nurse) and RN (registered nurse) programs. Because of this, she also served as president of the Ohio Board of Nursing. No matter who knew her or from where, there were two guarantees: She was loving, and she was well-loved. My mom was also a 19-year survivor of breast cancer. It was the fight of her lifetime — but a fight she eventually lost. We all lost. She was diagnosed at age 48. Now I, too, have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but at age 42. She was Stage IV. I am Stage 0. What is clear is that early detection using regular mammograms, self-exams and regular visits with your health care professional is the key to beating this devastating disease. I urge all women to get regular mammograms. Your physician can make the appointment for you, or you can contact virtually any health care facility. Many times, these mammograms are free, particularly if you happen to be at-risk. In fact, on Saturday, free mammograms will be available at the Lauralee S. Krabill Nursing Foundation's annual Community Tailgate event in downtown Sandusky. It's located at 120 Wayne St., behind Subway, Amarone Italian Restaurant and Clubhouse No.3 SportSocial. You are urged to set up an appointment by calling 216-444-7505 before the event, but you can also just walk up. Mammograms will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Knowing is better than not knowing. Knowing means cures are far, far more likely as well as being lifesaving. Want to go? The Lauralee S. Krabill Nursing Foundation supports men and women interested in becoming nurses by providing scholarships for their training. We began this work in 2021 when we lost my mom, Lauralee — and it continues today with the sixth-annual community tailgate. Please join us on Saturday with events kicking off at noon and going throughout the night. We will have: • Bands • A cornhole tournament • Raffle drawings • Prize auctions • The incomparable Ohio State Buckeyes playing Texas on the big screen "This event is all about coming together to celebrate, support and make a difference in nursing education and care," according to an event statement. "Help us spread the word. Invite your friends, family and neighbors. You won't want to miss it." Proceeds benefit the foundation. The foundation funds a scholarship for the Sandusky Career Center's nursing programs. "Our foundation provides assistance to those seeking to pursue a career in nursing and support to the education programs established by Lauralee," the event statement read. "We are excited to see everyone as we raise money for the nursing students at the Sandusky Career Center." We have many wonderful sponsors for this year's event: Mickey's, Civista Bank, Water Street Financial, Firelands Health, NOMS Healthcare, Family Health Services and Rent by the Lake. We are also blessed to have Clubhouse No 3 as our partner. It has been great and will be there all day, serving up whatever you need for a great day/evening. People can receive updates by visiting Facebook and searching for "Lauralee S. Krabill Foundation." Please look me up and say, "Hi." I would love to hear your story about my mom or about your own journey. But above all else, early detection is the key to defeating breast cancer. Let's do this together.