Hi! My name is Lauren. You may or may not know me. But that's OK. I grew up in Destin. Not too many can say that anymore. My family has always had strong ties to the area and I'm hoping for some help!! About a year ago I found myself in a hospital bed being told I was deathly sick. That my liver was failing. And that I desperately needed a liver transplant. I then spent about 3 weeks in and out of the hospital over the next 4 months. With many tests, blood transfusions, procedures. I came very close to dying. Thankfully, with help from my mom, Tammy, and my husband, Jeff, I was able to get my body physically stable to begin the transplant evaluation. Since all of this started we've needed to go to Shands Transplant Center in Gainesville at least 4 times in the past few months. That being said, the hotel stays and food costs add up quick, as one could imagine! After I have my transplant surgery it is expected for me to be in the hospital for 3 weeks. Possibly longer. And after I am released my family and I will still have to stay close to the hospital in case of emergencies. So we would need to rent a long term stay hotel for a month or so. And with everything else that is going to be needed our ability to cover these expenses is becoming harder and harder. So, I'm asking for the largest favor I have ever asked of any human in my entire life.

I need help.

To anyone who I've ever laughed with, cried with, got in and out of trouble with, grew up with or met later in life. Or maybe I left a positive impression on you in some way.. If there is any way that you could please help me with this lifesaving act of kindness? I've never thought I would see myself asking so much from people for help but. Here I am. Asking for help. Anything that can be spared will definitely help with having the living situation burden lifted for while I recover. Thank you for reading this all of the way through! I hope you have a wonderful day and never take it for granted.