Lauren’s Journey: Brain Tumor Surgery and Recovery

Hi, everyone. My name is Katie Dauterive, and I am the sister of Lauren Tran (pictured with me on the right.) She is married to her husband, Thien (Tee,) and they have three boys. Tyler is 13 and Remy and Ryan are 4. 

Those of you who know our family may be aware, but Lauren was diagnosed in April with a rare brain tumor and needs to undergo a complicated neurosurgery in just a few weeks on June 21st. The tumor is an acoustic neuroma and is wrapped around her balance and auditory nerves, and is pressing on her brain stem and facial nerve. While we are blessed and grateful that this tumor is benign, the surgery is complex, and the road to recovery will be long and difficult. In the last few days, she learned that her balance nerve is damaged by 72%, which is a critical baseline going into the surgery. Her facial nerve is damaged by 52%.

Things are happening so fast, and I know this is an extremely difficult time for my sister as a woman and mother. Please pray for her and for our family. 

I also know I feel a call to action to help her in any way possible. 

Lauren works full time and is insured, but the current and future out of pocket expenses are substantial and totally unexpected. Lauren will be on extended, completely unpaid medical leave from the week before her surgery through her recovery, which will be months. Sudden loss of income along with estimated medical expenses, etc. is a lot for any family to endure. The last thing she should have to worry about is financial hardship while enduring neurosurgery and a physically and emotionally difficult recovery. 

If you feel led to donate, any contribution is appreciated more than I can explain. Please share this post with others as well so we can reach our goal. Thank you for any support and your continued prayers.

Information regarding Lauren’s condition can be found on her caringbridge website. Updates regarding her medical condition will be posted here. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurentran