Laura Grace Dozer

Laura Grace Dozer Laura Grace Dozer, beautiful nine-year-old daughter of Rich and Karie Dozer, died peacefully on April 22, 2008. Laura was born February 18, 1999, three months prematurely. In the beginning, she fought for every breath she took. She spent the first three months of her life in the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) at Phoenix Children's' Hospital-Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, where she captivated all who cared for her. She came home at three months old, and began a journey through life that was often uphill, but never lonely. She was diagnosed with a severe neurological disorder at six months old, and began receiving intensive therapy and love at the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix. FBC held her and her parents' hands through every step of the way; learning to feed, communicate and play. She never reached most of the milestones that even one-year-olds do. She never walked a step or spoke a word. She never sat up on her own or held a spoon. Instead, she communicated with her family and loved ones by smiling, laughing, looking, and crying, and most who knew her knew exactly what she was saying. Her spirit touched thousands of people at the FBC and beyond. In her name, her mom and dad helped initiate the construction of a new NICU for PCH, and a brand new, state-of-the art facility for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona. She happily rode a school bus to FBC, where she attended school and was cared for and loved by teachers, therapists, aides, and volunteers. This fall, she began the third grade in a very special classroom at Cochise Elementary, and again was welcomed into a loving community very eager to help her achieve. She survived numerous surgeries and illnesses, each time coming back to her home and school determined to participate. Because of her many physical limits, her care was complicated and challenging. Keeping her healthy was a daily routine that began before the sun came up and lasted well in to the night. For nine years she beat the odds and enjoyed her family, school, and home. In the end, her body couldn't fight another tough illness, and she ended her journey in the arms of her family. She is survived by her dad, Rich, her mom, Karie, and her sister Danielle and brother Jack. For years she has missed the company of her beloved Grandma Sue Kloos, and we are happy they are together again. She is missed and loved by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, as well as the hundreds of loving care-givers who touched her life in many ways. A celebration of her life is being planned, and details will be announced. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations in her honor be given to the Foundation for Blind Children, 1235 E. Harmont, Phoenix, AZ 85020-3864.

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