Hi, my name is Lauren. I am 17 years old and I play Indoor and Beach Volleyball. I have been selected for the Junior Australian team and I am fundraising so I can compete in Thailand in April.

I was born with a disease that doctors could not diagnose, and I was fed through a nasogastric tube for 4 years. I nearly lost my life on many occasions and I had to learn to walk again from a young age. My parents were often told I was running out of time and I suffered many seizures where I would stop breathing. To look at me now, no one would ever guess my story.

This short version of my story can be viewed as a sad anecdote, but I see it as a miracle! After the journey my family and I went through, I have spent my teenage years being heavily athletic as I thrive in being involved in sport such as Cross Country and Volleyball, especially after being so close to death and unable to walk.

In recent years I have been representing Queensland at a national level, gaining experience, and furthering my passion for my sport. In a few weeks I have a huge opportunity to represent Australia in Volleyball. The costs are considerable it would be a huge help if you could help me by contributing to my Volleyball journey as I compete in Thailand in April and in future events.