First, I want to make sure everyone is fully aware, of how embarrassed and mortified I am to have to be doing this. BUT I also want people to understand, that I would do absolutely anything for my children, and asking for help in one of my toughest times, falls into that catergory. 

As some of you know, Teagan was admitted       into Danville Janet Weis Children’s hospital after failing a routine swallow study ordered by her pediatrician. Teagan had been under the care of a Dr Mandarano for the first good portion of her life, until I started noticing something being wrong, and when asking my questions and pushing for answers, he blatantly ignored all of my concerns and “normalized” what was happening to my little BABY girl. It wasn’t until I met Dr Lena, that I was pointed in a different direction, hoping to get answers. She arranged for Teagan to see a few different specialists in Danville, and on October 2,  we drove to Danville thinking this was just a routine swallow study—that maybe we would have to just tweak her formula, or change her to milk, or maybe it wasn’t the issue at all...The results nearly knocked the wind out of me. I came to find out, that for God only knows how long, Teagan was silently aspirating on all thin liquids—aka all her bottles. As a mom who may be reading this, I’m sure you can imagine the panic and fear that coursed through my body after hearing that mypoor, almost 10 month old at the time, has been choking silently on every bottle I have fed her, and not having a clue that’s happening, mademe feel awful. So, my next question to the doctor and nurse reporting this news to me, (when deep down I knew the answer), was “we can’t leave right?!” “Is she going to be okay?! I can’t believe this” —As if I just needed them to reassure me that my whole world just flipped upside down, and my poor baby girl would begin her long road to recovery that day. The tears started, and never stopped. Teagan would now begin her very scary, courageous, overwhelming, journey. And little did I know, that this would begin a financial, emotional,  and mental spiral unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before...because I choose to be home with my daughter who needs me more than ever. This is where I belong. She is my priority. 

Teagans stay in the hospital consisted of numerous NG tubes, undergoing anesthesia for MRI, anesthesia for surgery for Gtube placement, a probe inserted in her other nostril to check her reflux...and a whole lot of mistakes made on her behalf;  countless tears, ignorant doctors,and a level of stress and fear like I’ve never experienced in my life. She was seen by numerous specialists including Neurology, Genetics, Gastroenterology, and pediatric surgeons. The “not knowing” and awaiting results was the worst part. As my poor, tired, scared, innocent little girl lay in her hospital gown in the crib they provided, my heart broke day in and day out. Untilwe FINALLY had an answer!!  After 13 days, numerous, traumatic blood draws, we had ANSWERS! When they first introduced me and Teagan to the genetic team, I was hesitant and confused as to why they would become involved. Low and behold, genetics is what is causing all of her issues and contributing to her poor feeding, her hypotonia (low muscle tone) and her failure to thrive. I was floored! I couldn’t believe that this was my answer! I felt a sense of comfort, and fear, all at the same time. 

So, Teagans diagnoses is a Duplication of her 17p chromosome. I’m still waiting to see the genetic team for the final report, and Teagan has to follow up with many doctors in the next coming months. She is involved in intense outpatient and at home therapies. A total of therapy 6xs per week. She and I have our own little routine now at home with her feedings via her Gtube, and slowly but surely, we are adapting to a whole new way of living. I am so grateful I have the experience of doing this everyday at my job (St Joseph’s Center) which made my transition coming home much easier and less scary. She has made such great progress thus far, and her willingness and determination is admirable and inspiring, even at such a young age!




I’m sure anyone reading this may be asking
“so why are you making a gofundme” 

It’s because I need help. It’s because despite Teagan doing amazing things, and her insurancecovering all of her medical needs, they won’t help pay my bills. They won’t help make sure I have a Christmas for my children. They can’t help get myself and my daughter into an apartment. This was my last resort. As I said in the beginning of this, I’m embarrassed to be judged forasking for help, but I have finally built the courage to do it anyway. Sometimes, in order to get where you want to be, you have to do things you don’t necessarily want to do. So, here I am. Asking anyone who is willing, to help me. 

Yes, I’ve applied for unemployment. No word back and no getting through. 

Yes, I have applied for cash assistance. Waitingfor papers to come to me to be filled out. Out of my control. 

Yes, I have looked into resources for help moving into a new place. (My current residence is up for sale, so I need to move.) 

TRUST me when I say, I would NOT be going this route if I didn’t absolutely need to. I’m at my wits end——this was my last resort. 


All that has happened is no ones fault. No one could have planned for this. All I know, is I’m extremely scared for this being my reality. I do, in fact, still have my job, but I wasn’t eligible fora paid leave. So I am on a personal leave without pay until mid January.  Which was helpful tobe home with Teagan and know I still have a job to return to, but it didn’t necessarily help financially, obviously. 

So this is me, Lauren Pancaro, asking for help. 
I wrote this so everyone could have a better idea of the reality of my situation. I fully understand, I am not the only one going through toughtimes. This year has been hell, all around. If you can donate, I appreciate it tremendously! If you can’t, that’s okay too! If you even took the time out of your day to read this, I appreciate you. This was not an easy choice to make, but when your left with no options, you do what yougotta do. Thank you in advance for any donations! You will never know the depth of what it means to me! Xoxo 

Sincerely, with love 
Lauren and baby Teagan