Lauren

Hi Everyone!

On May 18, 2017, Melanie, who is one of my best friends, called me and gave me news I never thought I would hear. Her beautiful 26-year-old daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer that spread to her lymph nodes.  As expected, this came as a shock to Lauren, her family, and friends. However, the doctors are optimistic for Lauren's future. Lauren completed a PET Scan on June 14, which revealed great news; that the cancer has not spread to anywhere else in her body.

If I had to describe Lauren, I would say she is a beautiful, strong, intelligent, kind, hard-working and loving young woman.

Lauren completed her first round of chemo on June 9. While the side effects weren’t ideal, Lauren has managed to keep a positive and uplifting spirit throughout this whole process. She has channeled her inner Olivia Pope and lives by the motto: “Gladiators don’t run, they fight. They slay dragons. They wipe off the blood. They stitch up their wounds, and they live to fight another day.”

Due to the nature of this devastating diagnosis, time is of the essence, therefore, Lauren needs to act rapidly and start her “kick cancer” journey.  This will require many doctor visits, a chest x-ray, scans, 6 rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, several medications, a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, followed by some radiation. These costs will add up quickly and we will do everything possible to reduce the financial stress so Lauren can focus on what is important – kicking cancer’s butt!

This is where you come in. Any donations received will directly support Lauren to pay for medical bills, medication, scans, lost wages, or any other cost that may come over the next several months.

She will need to take a leave of absence from work for her recovery from her surgeries.  The emotional and financial burden of surviving breast cancer is a challenge at any stage of life, but at only 26 years old it somehow seems even more unfair that Lauren is going through this.  More than ever, Lauren deserves and needs our love and support.

Lauren’s family, boyfriend, and friends will be beside her every step of the way through this journey.  We can help her get through this together by your generous donations and support.  Anything and everything helps!

Lauren believes in paying it forward, therefore, any surplus funds collected that Lauren does not end up needing for treatments and loss of wages during her recovery will be donated to other amazing women battling cancer.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for your love and support.  Please keep our beautiful Lauren in your thoughts and most importantly in your prayers.

Love,

Team Lauren (aka Gladiators)