KILLEEN, TX — A Killeen ISD alumna battling cancer is making a cameo appearance with her former high school band.
Laura Montero graduated from Ellison High School last year. She went on to study at the University of Texas Austin. But she was unable to finish the semester after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“At first I was really scared, and I just kind of looked at my life and was like, am I just going to live scared?” said Montero.
Instead, she exudes positivity and strength.
While in high school, she was an accomplished flutist in the school band. For the spring concert, her band director wanted to dedicate a special piece to her.
“It’s about children battling cancer and they said they wanted to dedicate the piece to me and if I wanted I could play,” said Montero.
She performed the piece with the band and has a solo in a Tuesday concert. The event is scheduled at 7 p.m. at Ellison High School.
“We just wanted to do something so that she still felt the love and know that she made an impact on the band forever,” said Kennedi Crayton, a bandmate and friend.
Laura still has a long road to recovery, and medical bills are continuing to grow. A Gofundme page has been started to help.
