Founder Lara MacGregor Facing New Battle with Cancer
Hope Scarves was built on the fundamental power of storytelling. For the past two years we have asked cancer survivors to share with us their stories of determination, perseverance, and faith. These stories weave a network of hope, connecting women across the United States in a shared journey of battling cancer, allowing them to find strength in one another and beauty in the scarves they share.
Today, it is with a heavy heart that we share with you the next chapter in Hope Scarves founder, Lara MacGregor’s story. Lara was recently diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that has spread to her bones. Her next few weeks will be filled with testing and doctor’s appointments as she better understands the implications of this diagnosis and treatment plans that will follow. Lara is setting up a personal Caring Bridge Page so that anyone touched by Hope Scarves can follow her health and treatment.
Lara’s story is only beginning, and this new chapter will not be a final one for Hope Scarves. The mission of Hope Scarves and the important and powerful work of providing scarves and stories of hope to women facing cancer will continue. Lara is a woman of grace and strength, and her vision has inspired women across the country and everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her. The Hope Scarves team is committed now more than ever to realizing the Hope Scarves mission and spreading the hope on even grander scales.
Lara is finding a great deal of strength and comfort in friends, family members, and the wonderful people she has met through Hope Scarves. She is incredibly grateful for your prayers and support and would like to leave you with this quote: “Once you choose hope anything is possible.”
Lara’s wish is that we continue to spread the hope. Please share your story of hope leave a comment of encouragement for Lara and her family here.
Lara, you and your family are in our thoughts and extra prayers will be going your way.
Lara, we are sending prayers to your family from my family. Xoxo
Sending prayers Lara and a lot of admiration for all that you do!
Sending up a very SPECIAL PRAYER for you & your family. Katrina with McWane Science Center in Birmingham,AL.
Lara- Praying for you, your family and your entire medical team. XOXO
Lara- sending some good vibes your way my friend. We are praying for you and your family. May the blessing of light be on you and within you during this hard time. Stay strong.. you are a fighter and an inspiration to all of those who are battling along side you.
Lots of prayers going up for you, Lara. Enjoyed meeting and chatting with you at the open house. May God bless you and your family.
Jen’s Dad,
Dan M.
Lara our prayers are with you and your family.
Lara, my heart goes out to you and your family. You all will be in my prayers.
My heart and my prayers go out to you and your family. My God be with you all during this time.
Prayers for you and your family.
My heart goes out to you and your family, I will keep you all in my prayers.
Cannot believe this. I will put you on St. Lukes prayer list. Know that the ECW will be praying for you and your family. Remember how strong you are!!
You will be blessed! The Lord will give you the strength and carry you through this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lara,
Hello old friend… Albeit a brief friendship I hold it dear. We are in prayer for you in Birmingham and at the Advent. Your hope will be strengthened by our Lord. Please know we are on our knees for a full recovery….
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
–Zephaniah 3:17
Lara, no words can express how sorry we are to hear this news. Sending you lots of positive energy and love
Lara my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family – thinking of you during this difficult time, you are a strong and beautiful woman and I have nothing but hope! With love, Jessica Grace
Lara- you are a special woman. You and your family are in my prayers.
Praying for you Lara!!!
We have never met yet my heart sunk the moment I read this. I am sure the uncertainty you are facing at this moment is a rollar coaster of emotions. I hope the lyrics to this song bring YOU hope like you have brought the rest of us warriors. WE fellow warriors will be praying for you. Borrow our HOPE.
The God of Angel Armies
You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear?
You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though trouble linger still
Whom shall I fear?
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side
My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I’m holding on to Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful
Wishing you and your family strength and encouragement, Lara. Peace and love to you.
22. You and family are in my thoughts and prayers. As a survivor, I am ready to welcome you into the group. Stay strong to meet what is ahead and kick cancer in the a_ _.
sending prayers and strength your way, Lara and family.
I was so impressed with Lara and her commitment to Hope Scarves and how she gave hope to others through her mission. With all my heart I pray for the future of this caring woman.
There are no words to express the kindness someone did for you and then you for others. We would pray for your strength, determination, family, and doctors, to help see you through this part of life.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Sending love, light and prayers your way. May peace be with you.
Praying for you and the for the victories coming. God please give wisdom to the doctors, let Your greatness shine through Lara. Cover this family with strength and courage as they battle and defeat this beast. Jesus you were covered in stripes and Your body was broken so that we could be healed, let this shine through Lara. Thank you for your love and miracles to come, God. We ask all of this in Jesus’ amazing name! Amen!!
Hold on to your Hope, Lara.
God has not abandoned you. May you feel his loving arms wrapped around you through all those who love you. Keeping you in our prayers.
My heart goes with you as you continue to travel this path. Sending love and prayers your way.
Our thoughts are with you and your family and parents. Keep hoping.
I will spend time praying for healing, miracles, peace, laughter, and that Christ would be for you whatever you need during this time. Prayers
Blessings, prayers, peace, strength and hope to you and your family, Lara.
Lara- Many prayers and Good thoughts to you and your family. Health Happiness and Hope from an old friend 🙂
Lara,
My aunt was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in September 2008….right before my first walk. She is doing well.
My aunt has continued to be a source of inspiration and hope for me. I have many stories to share about all of the things she has taught me in her journey. She is proof positive that it’s mind over matter…even in Stage 4 breast cancer. My aunt has been living life to the fullest.
First, I will share with you that when she was diagnosed, she told me she signed up for a research study, simply because it was a 7 year study and she figured if she signed it, she’d have to hold up her end of the bargain.
She started chemo, but her doc quickly ended that treatment due to the effect on her nervous system…..she is estrogen positive. She spent 2009, 2010, 2011 and a good part of 2012 on the various anti-estrogen treatments. Her tumors would disappear for months, at times 80% of her tumors were gone. She also had a daily ritual of prayer. During these years she was the same amazing grandma, mom and aunt.
In 2012 she tries some form of chemo where they shoot it directly on to the tumors. I’m sure its more scientific than that, but at some point the anti-estrogen wasn’t as effective and she’s been doing rounds of chemo and anti-estrogen ever since.
She continues to live life to the fullest. Christmas 2011, she hosted 40+ people in her home, then babysat her 3 small granddaughters! During December 2012, we had a family wedding. Before the ceremony her daughter told me she was not coming because she was having a “bad day”. When the music started, I looked over and saw her in a pew. I thought “good, at least she came”. But afterwards, she was at the reception…and she wasn’t just “there” she was PARTYING. She was even doing “Gangnum Style” with my son. Polka danced, too.
Last October, she was eligible to have half of her liver removed, so she went for it. Her surgery was on a Thursday. On Monday I went to visit and I said “Geez, I’m impressed, I can’t believe how good you look”. She said “oh, thank you dear, thank you…….I just don’t know how I’m going to handle it when something big happens”.
Lara, I hope you can understand and relate to my aunt. She inspires me daily. I’m not going to say that every day is rainbows and sunshine, but I will tell you – she has proven to me that the right attitude, along with the right doctors and a lot of faith can improve your life – but the vitality and longevity.
I can’t remember if it was 2008 or 2010 that I saw you holding your baby – cheering us walkers on. Thank you for sharing your story. I just learned about Hope Scarves. I will continue to follow. Much love to you and your family and you sort through what’s in store. Please know I will continue to be a part of the 3-Day and will fight to see breast cancer eradicated for good.
Lara, I am devastated by your news, however I know how strong you are, and I send love and prayers for you and your family.
Lara,
You are such an inspiration and I will continue to pray for you & your family.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
You are all loved & prayed for.
Sincerely,
Vanessa
I am an 8 year Cancer survivor. When I received my diagnosis, my family sat down with me, as a group, and prayed to God for a miracle for me. It happened. The Bible says that when 3 or more pray together for a miracle God hears and will grant that miracle. God Bless You, and heal you.
Lara, love and prayers are being sent to you and your beautiful family. Your beauty and strength inspires me.
Lara- I’m so sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Lara,
You do not know me, but I know about you. I am Sarah Chandler’s friend. I have gone kicking and screaming and procrastinating to be involved with cancer. I am almost three years out and I thank God and all of my angels on earth for helping me thru this. I have reluctantly not given you my story but I am very sorry to hear of yours.
You and your family are now a part of my daily prayers and I want all the very best for you. Excellent Doctors and nurses to treat you, friends and family you can count on, and the ability to express what you need from all of them . . . and people like me. Just so that you know, you do not walk alone. we are here. take care of yourself and i will continue getting your updates through caring bridge website.
Lara,
I just found out in March 2014 that my Stage 3 BCa returned as Stage 4 Mets in my right pelvic bone. So I wanted to let you know that I am on the front lines right beside you as a forever fighter! We got this Sister!
XOXO
Donna O.
Lara,
Please stay in prayer GOD has his arms wrapped around you and your family!