Lauren’s Fight Against Cancer

Lauren’s world was turned upside down this week with the diagnosis of tongue cancer which would need radical reconstructive surgery at the young age of just 25 years old.
On Friday 7th December, Lauren underwent an incredibly difficult surgery which lasted 16 hours. The tongue reconstruction was managed via an incision across the neckline from ear to ear. Muscle and tissue had to be taken from her arm as well as an artery. Her arm was then repaired using a skin graft from her thigh.
Unfortunately it was discovered that the tumour had progressed into her neck and towards the base of her skull.
Due to the delicacy of the positioning of the tumour, next to the aorta and jugular, the surgeons were unable to reach all of the cancer.
During the surgery a nerve to her vocal chords was damaged, which will mean extensive rehabilitation and repair lasting up to 18 months.
She faces radiation and chemotherapy and of course a long and complicated path to rehabilitation. She will be fed through a tube through her stomach for months and is breathing via tracheostomy.
The medical expenses will be ongoing.
Lauren has recently completed a Bachelor of Public Health and a Masters in Forensic Science. There is of course now a big question mark as to whether she will be able to pursue her chosen career path.
Please help ease Lauren’s financial struggles through this horrendous time. 
Any donation, however small, would be greatly appreciated and will help Lauren and her family focus on fighting this hideous disease. 
Incredibly, she has never smoked a cigarette in her life and doesn’t drink alcohol.