Meet the Team

Laura Lewis

Laura was introduced to the word “cancer” when she was 11 years old when her mom, Norma, came home from a doctor’s appointment with the news. Laura recalls it was a sunny day as she, her two brothers and mom were in their kitchen at their home in Rolla. Norma loaded the dishwasher as tears streamed down her face, trying to keep things as normal as possible, as she shared what would be life-altering for all involved.

In the 1970s, cancer research options and treatments were extremely limited, such as BRCA genetic testing which was not available, and cancer was not readily talked about like it is today. Norma endured radiation, chemotherapy and a myriad of surgeries which eventually ended with two mastectomies two years apart. She completed her battle almost three years later when she passed away at Christmastime in 1977 at the age of 47.

Fast forward to 2009, Laura was newly married to David, and they were enjoying their new life together when Laura had a mammogram that detected cancer. Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, and then surviving it, life takes on new meaning. As a 12-year cancer survivor, Laura is living and giving intentionally and says it is now a calling in her life.

Serving executive-level management for over two decades in the Kansas City area and most recently in Jefferson City, Laura serves at the Missouri Hospital Association in the Quality, Safety and Research Department.

Laura volunteers her time as the assistant director for the Center for Women’s Ministries and has served as a volunteer for Angiepalooza since its inception in 2013.

Previously, Laura served on the Komen for the Cure Board (and hosted Team Lewis for over 8 years for Komen for the Cure 5K fundraisers), Cole County Relay for Life Co-captain, Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign bell ringer, the Veterans’ Advisory Board (assisting with Operation Bugle Boy and Wreaths for Heroes programs), and the Missouri Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters Board (and volunteered as a Big Sister for over 13 years).

Laura‘s love of travel has taken her to 49 states (Hawaii is on her horizon), Canada, Italy, and the Bahamas. When Laura isn’t working or volunteering, she and David enjoy listening and playing music, an occasional round of golf, attending Cardinals games in Springfield and St. Louis, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.