In Loving Memory: Lauren's Impact

In Loving Memory of Lauren Gerardo-Marotta

Just before her 31st birthday, Lauren was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia ...while just 7 months pregnant with her first child. With no other options, she was induced into labor so she could immediately begin treatment. Thankfully our son Angelo was relatively strong & healthy at 31 weeks. For 2 months, Lauren & I "lived" at Morristown Medical center, making daily trips from her room at the Cancer Center down to the NICU. Her introduction to Motherhood was filled with uncertainty. The outlook was scary. Juggling all the emotions of our premature son on top of her own life threatening disease. But Lauren made a choice before she left the hospital. A very decisive decision that would change her perspective on how she would live out her life right then and there. The decision to live for what really matters.

In honor of Lauren's spirit and recent passing, we'd like to make a donation in direct benefit to Mother's with young children whom have been recently diagnosed with cancer.

Lauren’s life was defined by compassion, courage, and her ability to lift the spirits of everyone around her. Whether she was guiding children with autism toward new milestones or inspiring strength in fellow patients and caregivers during her own battle with leukemia, Lauren touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity, and determination. Lauren found her biggest joy being around young children, most of all her own family. Most importantly, she gave of herself long before her life changing diagnosis.

She spent over 9 years doing Early Intervention therapy with children diagnosed with autism. The latter half of which, she obtained her Master’s in Applied Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis from Rider University and went on to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Essentially helping children with autism at the highest possible levels.

After her health regressed to a point she was no longer able to work with the communities children, she poured herself into being the greatest Mother she could possibly be. All the extended in-patient hospital stays ; the miserable-feeling out-patient treatments ; the dozen nauseating pills she mustered the strength up to take daily ... all so she could be home in time for Christmas. She understood what mattered most in this life and it was the fuel to the fire that kept her going.

This fund is meant to help the next young Mother focus on what really matters. Your support will help provide resources, comfort, and hope to those facing challenges similar to those Lauren faced.Every donation is a tribute to the way Lauren lived: with love, purpose, and a steadfast belief in making life better for others.