George Laurick
A devoted father and Coast Guard veteran fighting AML—your support helps save his life.
George Laurick’s Story
On Thursday, December 4th, George went to the ER at the Outer Banks Hospital after feeling tired, weak, and “just not right” for about two weeks. What we thought might be exhaustion or a virus turned into something far more serious. His bloodwork showed multiple dangerous abnormalities, including a white blood cell count of 96,000, nearly all leukemia blasts. Even more alarming, his hemoglobin was critically low, and his platelets were nearly depleted, requiring immediate blood and platelet transfusions — transfusions he continues to rely on.
He was urgently transferred to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, where a bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) — an aggressive, fast-moving blood cancer that requires immediate treatment.
By December 6th, George developed pneumonia, and his liver began showing signs of strain from the overwhelming leukemia cells in his bloodstream. His transfusion needs increased as chemotherapy further suppressed his bone marrow. His doctors acted quickly to begin a 7-day, 23-hours-per-day continuous chemotherapy regimen, giving him the best possible chance to reach remission.
George has now completed his first intensive round of chemotherapy, a major milestone in this fight. The treatment has been extremely difficult on his body, leaving him weak, immunocompromised, and dependent on frequent transfusions — yet he continues to fight with strength, resilience, and determination.
Genetic testing of George’s leukemia revealed critical findings that directly affect his treatment. His biopsy showed the A21 (t(8;21)) mutation, which is considered a favorable-risk mutation and often responds well to therapy. However, his care team also confirmed that George has two FLT3 mutations, which significantly increase risk and add another layer of complexity to his disease.
Because of these FLT3 mutations, George requires targeted FLT3 therapy in addition to chemotherapy. Thankfully, a medication called Midostaurin has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for FLT3-positive AML. George will begin his first round of Midostaurin soon after completing this first round of chemotherapy, marking a critical next step in his treatment.
The cost of this targeted medication is approximately $20,000 per month. George will need four additional months of Midostaurin following this initial course, making this an ongoing and overwhelming expense.
George has no health insurance.
His journey ahead includes:
- Four additional rounds of chemotherapy (one per month)
- Five total months of Midostaurin, beginning soon after this first chemotherapy round
- Ongoing blood and platelet transfusions
- Close monitoring for infections and organ stress
- Potential preparation for a bone marrow transplant
This is a long, exhausting, and uncertain road — physically, emotionally, and financially — but George is meeting it with courage and resolve.
Who George Is
George is not just a patient — he is a deeply valued member of the Outer Banks community and of our family.
George is one of the managers at Home Depot, where he is known for his leadership, kindness, and dependability. He takes great pride in supporting both his team and customers, always willing to step in, problem-solve, and help others succeed.
George is also a former member of the United States Coast Guard. During his service, he was stationed in New York City following the September 11, 2001 attacks, where he helped with Coast Guard efforts during one of the most difficult moments in our nation’s history. Service to others has always been at the core of who George is.
His wife brings that same heart to her role managing Southern Shores Pizza, where she is loved by staff and customers alike.
Together, they have three young adult children who love their father deeply and still rely heavily on him for guidance, stability, and support. Watching their strong, dependable dad endure this battle has been incredibly difficult for them.
George has always been the one others could rely on — loyal, compassionate, steady, and endlessly giving. Now he needs his community in a way he never has before.
Why We Are Asking for Support
This diagnosis changed their world overnight.
- George cannot work for many months
- His wife cannot work while caring for him
- They have no health insurance
- His treatment requires transfusions and five months of a $20,000-per-month targeted medication
- They live well over an hour from the hospital where George receives treatment, creating significant additional travel, transportation, and lodging expenses
- The financial burden is overwhelming
Your support will help with:
- Essential medical and medication expenses
- Transportation to and from oncology care
- Basic living costs during treatment
- Travel-related costs due to distance from the hospital
- Preparation for possible transplant evaluation
- Giving George the ability to focus on healing rather than financial fear
CareLines donations are tax-deductible for donors and tax-free for the family, making them an incredibly meaningful way to help.
A Request for PrayerS
Above all, our family is asking for prayers.
We are believing in a miracle for George’s healing.
We ask God to strengthen him, guide his doctors, calm his spirit, and carry him through every moment of this battle.
We know that prayer changes things, and we believe with all our hearts that God is present in every detail of this journey.
If you pray, please lift George up daily.
Pray for healing.
Pray for strength.
Pray for peace.
Pray for the miracle we are trusting God to bring.