Hi everyone,

I’m Megan, Lauren’s cousin, and I helped her create this page so we can share her story and keep everyone updated. Many of you have been asking how she’s doing, and I want to make sure her journey is heard in her own words. Lauren is one of the strongest people I know, but these past few weeks have tested her in ways no one could have imagined.

Here’s her story:

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On July 26, I woke up with vision issues in my right eye. I don’t suffer from migraines, but I assumed it was one and thought i could sleep it off. By the end of the day, there was no change and I quickly realized that there was something wrong.

Timeline of events:

• Sunday, July 27: My cousin took me to the ER — CT scan to rule out a stroke.

• Monday, July 28: Saw an optometrist, who advised me to either go see an ophthalmologist or go back to the ER to get an MRI. My eyesight was about 70% gone at this point.

• Tuesday, July 29: Back to the ER. Admitted and given an MRI — they found nothing and called me a “medical mystery.” Discharged the next night.

• Thursday, July 31 (4 AM): I woke up completely blind in my right eye. Sean, my boyfriend, rushed me to the ophthalmologist for emergency testing. After hours of exams, my retina looked fine — but I was referred to UCSD ER.

• That evening, I was admitted to the hospital for what became a two-week stay.

During that time, I endured:

• 3 MRIs (brain and spine)

• 2 failed spinal taps + 1 successful spinal tap

• 1 failed neck catheter + 1 successfully placed neck catheter

• 5 rounds of blood dialysis

• Countless blood draws, daily monitoring, and teams from neurology and rheumatology

By the end of it, my arms and hands were covered in deep bruises from all the pokes and IVs. The physical pain was hard enough, but the emotional toll was even heavier. At one point, the weight of the unknown, the constant procedures, and the fear of never regaining my vision hit me all at once — and I broke down completely.

The MRIs revealed optic neuritis — inflammation of the optic nerve — which can often be an early sign of an autoimmune disease like MS or lupus. I was immediately started on heavy IV steroids.

So far, the steroids and blood dialysis haven’t restored my vision, but it can take weeks or months to see any change… if at all.

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Where I am today:

As of August 15, I’m still completely blind in my right eye. My treatment plan now is to follow up with both neurology and rheumatology to monitor symptoms and hopefully get closer to answers.

With only one functioning eye, I have constant headaches and fatigue from my left eye overcompensating. I haven’t been able to work for three weeks, and Sean took unpaid time off to be by my side through hospital stays and appointments.

This has been the hardest and darkest chapter of my life — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

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Why I’m asking for help:

Donations will go toward:

• Out-of-pocket medical expenses (current and ongoing)

• Mental health support

• Lost wages for both Sean and me

• Specialist appointments and follow-up care

I am deeply grateful for the love and support from everyone who has checked in, sent positive thoughts, or offered help. If you can donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you can’t, sharing my story means just as much.

Thank you for standing beside me as I navigate this new reality.

❤️ Lauren & Family