Lauren Smiles, my daughter-in-law, is a loving, devoted wife and mother of two children aged seven and ten.

On July 29,2025, Lauren was diagnosed with an early stage of colon cancer. During her appointment, CT scans and an MRI showed she didn’t have colon cancer but had rectal cancer. The surgeon initially planned a surgery to cut out part of her rectum to remove the cancer, but after seeing the second CT scan, it was discovered that the cancer was too low in the rectum to surgically remove without causing permanent, life-altering bowel function. Instead, it was decided that doing chemo and radiation would be a better option. Lauren was referred to a radiologist oncologist for her chemo and radiation treatment but also was referred to gynecologist oncologist to perform an ovarian transposition surgery. Lauren opted to have ovarian transposition surgery to move her ovaries up out of the radiation field, to keep her from going into early menopause.

Between surgery, chemo and radiation, Lauren is facing an eight-week unpaid medical leave. She works part time as a lifeguard and doesn't receive PTO.

If you are able to help, please consider making a donation to support Lauren and her family during this difficult time.

Thank you so much!