Laura Fleming

     My classmate Laura is well known for many things, among them honesty, compassion, and selflessness. We worked together planning our 35th RHS reunion and share a common interest in history. She discovered my blog on her own, which ought not be a surprise as she is an Advanced Placement history teacher at RHS. She suggested to one of her students to interview me for the high school newspaper and I gladly told the paper how things have changed over the years. It showed Laura at her best as a teacher, always looking to help her students improve their capacity to understand the general relations of particulars. In this case, an original contribution to the school newspaper regarding high school life now and when she and I were growing up together in Ridgewood. I was humbled to be asked for an interview and remain grateful to her for allowing me to be a source for her students' education.

     During my weekly visit to Facebook I read the following news about her recent health diagnosis:


     "For over 35 years, Laura Fleming (RHS Class of 1977) has dedicated her working life to the students at Ridgewood High School. Whether it’s through imparting her knowledge in U.S. History, World History or European AP classes or as advisor to the History Bowl and Political Discussion Clubs, Laura has made a difference in the lives of thousands of students and in some cases, their children!  She’s also lent her time to supporting veterans by organizing events for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Her colleagues have also benefited from her willingness to share both her time and expertise.

     Now, it’s time for the community to help make a difference in the life of LauraFleming.
Why?  Laura was recently diagnosed with Metastatic Uterine Leiomyosarcoma, Stage 4.
Having been through a roller coaster of emotions--as well as appointments, tests and procedures--over the past few months.  Laura has now begun treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering to fight this rare cancer.  She knows the battle won’t be easy, but she is ready for the fight."

A photo from our 35th Reunion. Lenni Maguire and Laura Fleming.

 https://www.mightycause.com/story/Bgz7ig