Support Lauren's Fight Against Thyroid Cancer
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Summary
Lauren, a beloved mother, partner, friend, and Athens community member has been diagnosed with stage II thyroid cancer. She will soon be undergoing a specialized cancer surgery to remove her thyroid and the affected lymph nodes in her neck.
Due to the invasive nature of this critical operation, she will face risks of serious complications and a long recovery. If surgery and follow up treatments are successful, it will decrease the chances of needing chemo/radiation therapy.
Updates will be provided here on Lauren’s state of recovery, and any and all support is greatly appreciated. To afford her peace of mind before and after surgery, please message this Gofundme page for email or mailing address; her speech will be limited during recovery, thus it is best to refrain from calls and texts at this time.
Details
Diagnosis and Procedure:
After facing health issues for many years, Lauren’s doctors found what they believe to be the main cause: a thyroid cancer which has metastasized to surrounding lymph nodes in a delicate region around her neck and throat. Due to her current diagnosis of stage II papillary thyroid cancer, she will need to undergo an invasive surgery in order to remove masses that have taken over her thyroid and many lymph nodes surrounding her vocal cords and major nerve bundles.
The extent of her condition cannot be confirmed without a firsthand examination, which can only occur during her upcoming operation. Surgery to remove the thyroid and lymph nodes does not come without the risk of serious complications. The procedure, along with post op radioactive iodine treatments, aim to eradicate most of the cancer in hopes that chemo/radiation will not be necessary.
Recovery:
Provided the operation goes according to plan, Lauren will be monitored in the hospital before being released for further rest. At this time, a peaceful recovery environment and financial support will be much appreciated. Her speech will be limited initially, and it will take some weeks until she is able to access daily needs. In addition to procedure and treatment recovery, she will require hormone replacements to which is another recovery in itself. Due to the physicality of her profession as a massage therapist, it is undetermined how long it will be until she is able to work again. Funds raised will be absolutely essential in supporting the long road toward recovery.
Cost breakdown:
- Pre/post op medical bills
- Housing costs
- Food expenses for family
- Transportation to appts in Atlanta
- Business maintenance expenses (studio, website, insurance)
- Therapy
About Lauren:
We are making this fundraiser on behalf of our beloved friend, Lauren who deserves the world. She is a bubbly, fun, and generous person ,who despite the many obstacles that come her way, maintains hopefulness and positivity amongst all around her.
Lauren is a wonderful mother to her 9 year old son, a supportive and loving partner, a gentle ear to many friends, a passionate creative, and a deeply embedded and active member in the local Athens community.
On top of all of this, she is a massage therapist dedicated to running her own healing practice, which focuses on inclusivity and care access. She is saddened to halt her practice based on the important care relationships she has with her work and clients.
Please give as generously as you are able. Lauren has done and continues to do so much to support her community, and we would love to see her supported in kind.