Hello, my name is Loren Ferneau and I truly appreciate you taking a moment to read this story about my childhood friend, Mary Lauren Hounwanou. Mary Lauren is a wife to Harold and mother to 8 year old Sam and 5 year old Ruby Claire. She has been a teacher in central Arkansas for 20 years, spending the last 4 years at Holy Souls School.

Mary Lauren was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer in February of 2022. This type of cancer is the most aggressive type of invasive breast cancer. It differs in that it grows faster, spreads faster, and has fewer treatment options. She went through 6 months of chemotherapy, 30 treatments of radiation, 1 year of immunotherapy infusions, and surgical intervention. She was officially cancer-free in August of 2022.

Sadly, her cancer has returned also as St 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer with an inflammatory component. She and her family have been burdened with this familiar, yet scary diagnosis again. Fortunately, her medical team has advised and referred her to specialists at MD Anderson in Houston. Bringing on the best in the world allows Mary Lauren the highest chance of beating this cancer again. The scope of this development brings on a new level of stress and fear...emotionally, mentally, and most importantly, financially.

I humbly ask for your support. The funds donated will go towards travel expenses, medical bills not covered by insurance, insurance deductibles, and any out of pocket cancer-related costs. Any amount that you are willing to contribute is greatly appreciated. If you are not able to contribute, please consider sharing her story.