Hi! My name is Lauren Timbrook. I am a diehard animal lover, music lover, and all around enjoyer-of-life. When I turned 21 this past year, I expected to graduate from college and start my professional life. I’m proud to say that although I did graduate from Oklahoma State University in December of 2023, I did not anticipate a cancer diagnosis, or six months of chemotherapy. I also did not anticipate the literal cost of such a diagnosis.

When getting diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I was shocked to learn that the pressure in my back and chest was not just college-kid anxiety. Turns out, I had multiple tumors in my mediastinum, my neck, and my T4 vertebra. To even receive this diagnosis, I had to complete multiple CT scans, PET scans, echocardiogram’s, neck biopsies, and countless blood tests - don’t ever ask me to donate blood - no one wants mine!

I’m so grateful to have received financial aid through my hospital as well as help through my medical insurance. However, I still have medical debt that will grow with each follow up appointment. It would mean the world to have your financial support if possible. For reference, if I had no insurance:

1 chemotherapy appointment is 100,000 dollars

1 PET scan is 10,000 dollars

1 biopsy is 15,000 dollars…

Cancer is expensive! Don’t even get me started on wigs, eyelashes, sunscreen… blegh!

I’m hoping to reach my goal of 3,500 dollars to pay off all my medical debt from treatment as well as pay for future scans and possible medical complications from this diagnosis.

As for my cancer-free future, I’m so proud to announce that I have completed my first semester towards my Masters of Education in School Counseling program at the University of Central Oklahoma! While pursuing this degree I will be working at Rockwood Elementary as a Librarian Assistant. I’m so excited to give back to the community that has rallied around me during this time.

I can never be an organ donor, but I promise to give you all my heart!

Life is so beautiful. I’m so excited for what my 22nd year will bring me. Thank you again! ‍️