Laura’s Lymphoma Journey: Guided by Faith, Family, and the Henry Ford Cancer Team

Laura Mott, a resident of Brownstown Township, had endured persistent pain in her thigh and back for years, believing it was sciatic nerve pain. Despite her local doctor's attempts to manage her discomfort with steroid medication, the pain remained stubbornly intermittent. In June 2022, while working as a nuclear records clerk at the Fermi 2 Power Plant, Laura experienced an unbearable wave of pain that left her unable to walk. “I couldn’t move at all,” she recalls. A subsequent MRI delivered shocking news: she likely had cancer.

Turning to Henry Ford for Hope

After spending days in the local hospital struggling with both pain and uncertainty, Laura sought advice from her best friend employed at Henry Ford Health. “With prayer and support from my husband, daughter, and sisters, we made the bold decision to transfer to Henry Ford Hospital to find a clearer path for my treatment,” she reflects. Upon her arrival, Laura felt an immediate sense of reassurance. “When I looked around my room at Henry Ford Hospital, it felt like the whole team was there, all focused on my care.”

A biopsy soon confirmed that Laura had ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma  (ALK(-) ALCL), a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The diagnosis served as a sobering reality check, uniting her family in their fight for her life. “When we received the confirmation, there were gasps followed by a heavy silence. It was as if you could hear a feather drop. A tear slipped down my cheek, and I looked up at the Henry Ford team and asked, ‘What’s next?’”

A Multidisciplinary Team for Every Step

Laura’s care at Henry Ford was supported by a comprehensive team, including hematologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, advanced practice providers, social workers, and nurses—all dedicated to her treatment and recovery. Her plan included a grueling twelve-week course of chemotherapy , followed by an autologous stem cell transplant  to replenish her blood cells after aggressive treatment.

“It was hard to swallow,” Laura recalls. “I went from taking one or two pills a day for pain to managing multiple medications, infusions, and constant monitoring. It was overwhelming.” Her stem cell transplant physician Edward Peres, MD, explains ALk- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare T-cell Lymphoma and the prognosis can be poor.

“The stem cell transplant team worked very closely with her oncologist by providing her with a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis and developed the most effective treatment plan to offer the best possible chance to cure her disease,” he notes. “Ms. Mott did extremely well with her treatment and is a true testament that by working together we can accomplish so much.”

Despite the dark moments that threatened to overwhelm her, Laura focused on positive thoughts, buoyed by her faith and the unwavering support of her family and medical team. “My husband worked but was always there to hold me when I cried. My daughter was my rock, guiding me every step of the way, my one sister was my reality check she would say ‘Laura, you know it’s okay not to be okay’, while my other sister would send me goofy pictures each week to keep me uplifted,” she shares, her voice filled with emotion.

Focusing on Recovery and Giving Back

Though the chemotherapy and stem cell transplant were far from easy, Laura is grateful for how well she tolerated the treatment. Now, her focus is on recovery and returning to an active lifestyle—roller skating, bowling, and participating in her church community, where she promotes cancer screenings at their annual community outreach event.
“I am immensely thankful to the entire Henry Ford medical team. From Dr. Peres to the nurses and staff who wheeled me to x-rays, they treated me like family,” she emphasizes. “Before my diagnosis, I noticed the I am Henry advertisements in our community. Now that I’ve experienced their love and support firsthand, I stand proud to say I am Henry!”
For further information visit lymphoma care at Henry Ford Health.