A Different Kind of Strength This Year

If you’ve followed I Am Aria Inc. for any length of time, you know that this organization was built from the inside out. It started with our summer program.With kids who needed space to breathe.With stories that needed somewhere safe to land. And it grew because of community.

Today, we want to share something personal—and important.

Last year, our founder, Laurie Best, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. What followed were appointments, treatments, long days, longer nights, radiation, side effects, and a level of physical and emotional endurance that can’t fully be explained unless you’ve walked it.

But there was also victory. Laurie is now in recovery.

Recovery, however, is not a finish line. It’s a process. Healing takes time. Energy takes time. Voice strength takes time. And for someone whose life’s work centers around showing up for kids—being present, teaching, encouraging—that shift has required humility.

What This Means for I Am Aria

This year will look a little different.

You may not see Laurie’s face as often. You may not see her leading every session. You may notice a quieter presence.

Please know: Laurie is still here. Still praying over the kids, shaping curriculum, and dreaming big for every child who walks through our doors. She's still answering emails (probably at odd hours) and caring deeply.

But she is also giving her body the time it needs to heal well.

Our Board Is Stepping Forward

One of the greatest gifts in this season has been watching the I Am Aria board step in with such intentional leadership.

Programs will continue. Journals will still open. Conversations will still happen. Kids will still be reminded that their voices matter. The mission hasn’t changed. In fact, it feels even more anchored.

Our team is working together to ensure the after-school journaling program and summer writing program continue to provide the safe, creative spaces our students deserve. And they are doing it with compassion and excellence.

Why We’re Sharing This

Because transparency matters. Healing shouldn’t be hidden. Strength sometimes looks like stepping back instead of pushing through. Our students deserve to see that even adults need time to recover.

I Am Aria was never built around one person—it was built around a purpose.

What You Can Do

Pray. Encourage. Share our programs. Give if you feel led.

Most of all, continue believing in the power of storytelling to heal.

Laurie often tells our students that writing is how we survive hard seasons. Right now, she’s living that lesson.

Thank you for being part of this community.Thank you for your grace.Thank you for walking with us.

This year may look a little different.

But the mission is stronger than ever.

With gratitude,

The I Am Aria Team