The Laurie Parnau Tribute Fund for NET Research
Honoring the loving memory of
Laurie Parnau
1953 – 2020
Rockaway, New Jersey
Investing in research to find a cure for neuroendocrine cancer
In early 2019 Laurie Parnau was diagnosed with a high-grade neuroendocrine tumor, a very aggressive and rare form of cancer. She fought courageously and exhausted all treatment options enduring surgery, five different chemotherapies, immunotherapy, and radiation. Her strength and determination to fight gave her more time than many of the medical experts expected but ultimately, we knew there would be no cure for her cancer. On November 16, 2020 she lost her battle with cancer at the age of 67.
Shortly after her passing, we found a list she made of things she was grateful for. On that list along with her family and friends included science, doctors, caring nurses, and treatment options because that is what gave her time and hope. One can never truly understand the magnitude of hope until your life depends on it. By funding NET research, we have the opportunity to turn hope into a cure. Laurie dedicated her life to caring for others and we know that this is a way we can continue just that in her name.
About Laurie Parnau
For anyone who didn’t know Laurie one of her daughters said it best, “How do you find the right words to truly describe Laurie? You can’t. Words alone aren’t enough. It’s more like a feeling. If you’ve had the pleasure of having her in your life you’d know what that love, kindness, selflessness, generosity, and her sweet nature feels like in your heart.”
Laurie was the “Ultimate Caregiver” through profession as a nurse and just in her nature raising 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren. Her love extended far beyond and if you had the pleasure of being her friend or co-worker, or even just having a simple conversation with her, her infectious smile and warm disposition made you feel like family.
The Parnau family has established The Laurie Parnau Tribute Fund for NET Research with a $20,000 fundraising goal to remember Laurie and to fund NET research to improve treatments and ultimately find a cure for neuroendocrine cancer patients. Their hope is to involve Laurie’s extended family and community in this special and lasting endeavor.
About the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF)
NETRF is the leading private funder of neuroendocrine cancer research and a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of NETRF is to fund research to discover cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancers. NETRF awards research grants to leading scientists at renowned research institutions around the world. NETRF is supported by charitable donations from individuals and foundations. Since 2005, NETRF has invested more than $30 million in neuroendocrine tumor research. NETRF is supported by charitable donations from individuals, foundations and third-party events.
To donate to the The Laurie Parnau Tribute Fund for NET Research
Donate online to the The Laurie Parnau Tribute Fund for NET Research
All gifts to Laurie’s Tribute Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Checks payable to NETRF/Laurie Parnau and mail to:
NET Research Foundation
31 St. James Avenue, Suite 365
Boston, MA 02116
For questions about making a gift to Laurie’s Fund, please contact our Development Coordinator, Laken Baird at laken.baird@netrf.org or call us at 617-946-1780.
