Lauren Longyear's Breast Cancer Support Fund

Hi!

We are Thomas and Christine, and we are raising funds to help support our sister, Lauren Longyear, as she faces a new diagnosis of triple-negative, aggressive breast cancer.

It is hard to put into words the kind of sister and friend Lauren is. She is kind, smart, incredibly talented, creative, independent, and resilient. She is someone everyone gravitates to--from little kids to peers and beyond---because her energy is infectious. She is the kind of person that you find yourself reaching for when times are tough, because she is always willing to listen and offer whatever kind of support is needed, without hesitation. Now is the time for Lauren to feel the love and support surrounding her that she has always so generously given others.

After the pandemic put a pause on Lauren's career working in the theater industry, she was thrilled to return to the stage in the fall of 2021. She was truly hitting a groove, with amazing back-to-back opportunities in the spotlight when her world abruptly came to a halt in February of 2023. No one is prepared to hear the words "you have cancer", and for that to be followed with "the type is a very aggressive form of breast cancer."

Unfortunately, the stress Lauren faces and will continue to face doesn't end with a life-threatening illness. She will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as she starts intensive chemotherapy, followed by surgery, radiation, and perhaps additional chemotherapy. She has already endured the stress and significant expense of fertility preservation treatment (~ $8,500 out of pocket)- which was necessary given that her chemotherapy damages the reproductive system as it's attacking it's intended target- the cancer. As she continues on this journey, there will continue to be incredible financial costs associated with her life-saving treatment.

It is a long road ahead, but if there is one thing we know about Lauren, it is that she is resilient and strong--and she has an incredible network of family, friends, and perhaps even strangers--who are here to lend a helping hand. That is where YOU come in!

We would be so grateful if you would consider making a donation to help Lauren cope with the financial hardship her diagnosis carries. If we can come together to offer Lauren the support she needs, she will be that much more able to focus all of her energy on her treatment plan and restoring her health--and ultimately returning to her full and busy life with her family, friends, and her work on the stage.

With Love and Appreciation,

Christine & Thomas

To follow Lauren on her journey, click here: Lauren's Lil' Cancer Site