Lauren's Medical, D.J. Education

At the age of 26 years old, on September 9, 2014 my entire journey in life changed. I was diagnosed with Stage 3B Inflammatory Breast Cancer. During that time all I could think of was my then 3rd grader “DJ” (Derrick Jr.). The fight had a contender and it was me. So I adopted the phrase “All FAITH, no fear” as my mantra and began chemo. On March 10, 2015 I had a right mastectomy and on April 12, 2015, I finished chemo. Yes, my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows were gone but my faith increased so much. While going through the treatments I met incredible women who couldn’t imagine being so young and having such a diagnosis to handle. I just felt deep within me that in some way, God was going to use this part of my journey to help someone else who may be going through the same thing. And yes, God has.

On June 18, 2015 I finished radiation and was told that this cancer was in remission. My now 4th grader and biggest cheerleader could breathe. And so could I. Now, I was preparing to have cosmetic surgery on June 22, 2016 to restore what the mastectomy took. But almost a year later on June 9, 2016 I received a call that no one expected. The cancer had now metastasized in my liver and the horrible pain I felt in my back was a tumor on my tailbone. This cancer made a decision to once again mess with me and the future of my son. I cried, had multiple melt downs and prayed and prayed. Then I remembered who I served and I remembered that He saved me once before and He will save me again. He is giving me not just any old ordinary testimony! God is giving me something to write about, to speak about and to motivate and encourage others.

With a grateful heart, we are asking for some help from our family, friends, and community to help ease the financial strain that this battle has brought. In order to help with my continued treatment, my home now has to be transitioned into a space that will better serve me and those who are caring for me which includes purchasing medical equipment such as a hospital bed. There are expenses for transportation back and forth to the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor hospital, expensive medicines and treatments, holistic eating products, other medical expenses. And there are my growing son’s expenses. Such as my son’s educational future needs, his continual counseling to help him better understand and cope with this part of my journey, and his daily needs since I am unable to work.

Your support in this journey is so important to me and my family. I want to make any burden as light as possible but I need your help. Any support you are willing to give would be tremendous and we are already thankful for whatever you contribute. I ask that you keep me in your prayers once again and also my family, friends and most importantly my now 5th grader and #1 fan, DJ. I’m not scared. I’m not worried. I have All FAITH and no fear! I know that losing is not an option and I will go fourth with my fight knowing that I have God, and the best support system in the world, my family, my friends and YOU!  Thank you for being a part of #TeamLauren.  Love you all!!!!