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Help Lauren!

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My 6 year old niece Lauren is sweet, kind, has a heart of gold and loves Jesus! She is the kind of child who is kind to everyone,  has birthday parties for her dolls and loves to ride her bike!

 Lauren is also a fighter as she is currently in Nationwide Children's Hospital battling viral meningitis and encephalitis due to the La Crosse virus which is spread by mosquitoes.  The symptoms of this disease are devastating as her mom and dad and family have watched as this joyful little girl has went from happy Thursday morning with a slight fever to completely unresponsive Thursday night. Over the past week there have been many up and downs with joyful up moments like Lauren being awake and coherent and being able to watch her favorite show Liv and Maddie or color a picture for her brother.  

Then too quickly, there are devastating down moments including Lauren's mom and dad watching Lauren's eyes roll to the back of her head, seizures, complete unresponsiveness, mental confusion, and fevers of 105+.  

By the Grace of God, Lauren seems to be improving and the down times seem to be getting not as bad. A team of doctors met with Holly and Jon, Lauren's mom and dad, and gave them encouraging news today that if Lauren's EKG comes back that her heart is ok then they can go home.

However, as this virus has attacked Lauren's brain and spine she has a long road of recovery ahead. Her doctors let Holly know she will not be able to go back to school this year and will need to be homeschooled.

She will also need to work with a neuropsychologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist for the foreseeable future. There are many doctors visits and a long road to recovery ahead.

Many of you have been so kind in asking how you can help. With the 6 day (and counting) hospital stay including days in the PICU, blood tests, EKG test, EEG test, ER visit, Pediatric Intensive Care unit, 2 ambulance rides, 2 hospitals and continued therapy/doctors visits long term -- I know the bills will be astronomical and that is why I created this GoFundMe for them.  All of the proceeds will go Holly and Jon to help cover Lauren's medical costs. 

Please consider donating -- Anything you feel on your heart to give -- will be appreciated. To care for Lauren and homeschool- Holly will not be able to work on her at-home business which she normally does during the school year and additionally there will be travel costs as they go back and forth to Columbus for specialist visits. 

More than anything though-- please keep praying for Lauren's full and complete recovery.  

Please donate if you feel moved to do so -- or at minimum PLEASE SHARE to spread the word that mosquitos carrying the La Crosse virus are in the central Ohio area. Lauren's family was told that currently there are at least 8 other children going through the same thing in the central ohio area. 

In closing, Lauren and her family take comfort in knowing God has a plan! They have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from their family and friends.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."

Thank you for donating. 




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Donations 

  • Amy McNary
    • $200 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Stephanie Webb
Organizer
Mansfield, OH
Holly Zehner
Beneficiary

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