Laura Ledbetter
What is your role/focus on the End AxD board?
Founder/Secretary
Why did you want to serve?
End AxD has been something I've wanted since Grayson's Ladder first began. My heart's desire was to have an organization that represented the entire community and united all the families and patients. There is power in numbers, our voice is louder if combined. My hope is that every patient and family would know this organization was advocating, fundraising, and striving towards a cure on each individual's behalf.
What do you want to accomplish?
My hope is this organization becomes a place of hope, encouragement, and community amongst those affected by Alexander Disease. The ultimate goal is to eventually have a cure, an opportunity to actually End Alexander Disease.
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Laura Ledbetter began her nursing career in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital in 2004 while attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing. She graduated Valedictorian of the School of Nursing, Magna Cum Laude. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society while being President of her class. She was a member of multiple honor societies including Alpha Society, Mortar Board, Beta Beta Beta, Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, and Golden Key. She was awarded outstanding Senior Student. She worked as a Registered Nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Memorial for 2 years prior to starting to work for Dr. Richard Morrison, a cardiothoracic surgeon in 2006. She has continued to work for him as his nurse for the past 15 years. Over the last several years, her role has shifted into Practice Administrator. She is a native of Chattanooga, enjoying her off time with her husband and two sons, Cooper & Grayson. She and her husband, Josh, are Executive Directors of Grayson’s Ladder, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. Grayson’s Ladder has donated over $300,000 to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia while raising awareness for Alexander Disease, the rare neurological disorder her son, Grayson, suffers from. When she’s not juggling her professional career and nonprofit, you will find her cheering on her sons whether on a wrestling mat or at a supportive therapy. She finds her greatest joy in spending time with family. Hobbies outside of family time include running, shopping, and real estate.