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Laurie, (107.9 Link Leading Lady) talks to Ramona Hollaway about Tyler's Tree.
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WBT Radio's Hometown Hero

Laurie Dudley, of Matthews, NC
For the week ending Friday, July 18, 2008

  

 
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 Laurie has the unique ability to find the best outcome out of any situation. Five years ago after a personal family tragedy she started what is known as Tyler's Tree. Tyler & his identical twin brother, Braden were born 3 months premature due to a rare complication called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (it can only occur in identical twins). Neither baby was expected to survive. Tyler died at 7 days old. Braden survived, a true miracle baby!

Tyler's Tree was started and to help other NICU families in crisis. Over 5 years, she has collected thousands of books that are distributed to our local & surrounding hospitals for babies/children who are in the hospital at Christmas. Laurie and her family personally deliver to the hospital on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. At the last count, Tyler's Tree has collected and distributed over 10,000 books.

Braden thrived and is now an active 4 1/2 year old. On March 8, 2006 after a full term pregnancy, another baby boy was born, Jaxon, but it was then Laurie was disgnosed with pancreatic cancer. After 6 hours of surgery, the doctor came from the operating room with good news that neither tumor was malignant. During recovery, Laurie started "Blanket Ministry". Blankets are handmade and then family and friends write scripture on the blanket to give comfort to the patient. Blankets are delivered to hospital patients, children or adults preparing to have major surgery. The first two blankets were given to the late Melissa Grier (of WBTV) and her son, Conner Grier.

After Laurie's surgery, she decided to re-enroll at East Carolina University to finish her degree in Media Communications. She went to school full time, while taking care of family and being a full time volunteer where ever she is needed. Laurie will graduated this year with a BS Degree in Media Communications and Minor in Psychology. She has repeatedly taken tragedy and turned it into Blessings for others. Miracles are all around her and I can't think of a better way to honor her than to make her a WBT Hometown Hero.