Despite a stage 2 cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, Patti Laurent secretly completed her accelerated MBA with a perfect GPA while working full-time and caring for her mother.
When Patti Laurent, 53, began her accelerated MBA program in September 2023 at Southern New Hampshire University, she kept it under wraps. As a breast cancer survivor and primary caregiver for her 84-year-old mother, she worried people would question her ambition. Only her youngest niece knew the truth.
Despite these challenges, Patti’s determination never wavered. Just two semesters into the program, her mother fell and then showed early signs of cognitive decline, prompting Patti to hurriedly complete courses before her health worsened. By May 2024, Patti was juggling her MBA, caregiving and a full-time job, all while maintaining top grades.
Then, in July 2024, a routine check-up for kidney issues led to an unexpected discovery: a cyst on her right ovary. She opted for surgery in November at Lowell General Hospital, during which both ovaries, fallopian tubes and ultimately her uterus were removed. Pathology revealed a stage 2 high-grade carcinoma on the left fallopian tube — an incidental but potentially life-saving find. “It felt like divine intervention,” Patti reflected.
In January 2025, Patti began six rounds of chemotherapy (Taxol and carboplatin) at Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, finishing the final dose on May 5 — just two days after walking across the stage in cap and gown on May 3. “The oncology team didn’t even know I was working on my MBA,” she laughed. “I asked if we could reschedule my last chemo so I could walk at graduation.”
Throughout her treatment, Patti leaned on a steadfast support system: her fiancé, Howie; her sister; nieces; supportive bosses at Marriott; professors at SNHU and an exceptional team of medical professionals at Tufts Medicine. “They were amazing,” Patti said of her care team, which included Anasuya Gunturi, MD, PhD, Chief of Oncology at Lowell General Hospital, gynecologic oncologist Sarah Paraghamian, MD and OBGYN Briana Perry, MD.
Patti's mantra kept her moving: “When I first heard ‘cancer,’ I thought of my father, who died from brain cancer. But this isn’t a death sentence. I have the best doctors and I am a go-getter — I don’t sit for five minutes.” Balancing work, school, chemo and caregiving was only possible thanks to her fierce spirit. “I’m a stubborn Irish girl,” she grinned.
She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned her MBA with a concentration in leadership — all while undergoing chemotherapy. “My work and my MBA kept me going,” she said. “It gave me something productive to strive for during treatment.”
Looking ahead, Patti plans to spend the summer recuperating, enjoying pool time, riding her new Harley motorcycle with Howie and volunteering at the MSPCA in honor of her collie. Her doctors will monitor her closely over the next five years — but Patti is already plotting her next step: “I can’t tell you there isn’t a doctorate in my future.”
With 12 years until retirement, Patti’s secret graduation symbolizes not just academic achievement but a testament to resilience, hope and the power of unwavering support.
Learn about advanced care for gynecologic cancer
Patti’s journey symbolizes her unwavering resilience and hope. But for many patients receiving a difficult cancer diagnosis, high-quality cancer care feels out of reach. That’s where TeamWalk for CancerCare can help. To learn more about giving to Lowell General Hospital, including ways to support TeamWalk for CancerCare:
