Remembering Lauren

Precious Lauren Recio has left this earth far too soon. At just 9 years old, this sweet baby girl suffered so deeply from depression and bullying that she took her own life.

Lauren was creative and smart, kind, loving, adventurous and had such a sweet, tender soul. Her delicate heart was able to love and care for others in a way that was far beyond most at her age, which in turn resulted in her feeling everything so deeply.

Lauren loved spending time at the beach with her family. She loved caring for her guinea pig, Willow, and had her heart set on getting a capybara someday. She was a determined child who loved gymnastics, and was working to perfect her handstands. Her big sister, Audrey was her best friend and her protector.

Lauren had her mother’s beautiful blue eyes, and in her mother’s eyes, Lauren was perfect. She was her daddy’s little monkey, and he and Angela were as proud of her as any parents could be. Her smile would light up the room, and the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her are forever changed.

As her family grieves her loss, they would like to raise awareness of childhood depression and suicide, and the brutal impact that bullying can have on an innocent child. Lauren's life and her story should not be forgotten or dismissed because it is difficult to hear. Unfortunately Lauren's story is one of many. In Texas, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-24 year olds and each day approximately 12 children will take their own life. This loss should compel each of us to demand better mental health resources and suicide preventative education to protect the children and families in our communities.

Please allow Lauren’s story to open the conversation with your own children about their mental health and also the impact their words/actions can have on their peers.

Your contribution to this family will be received with much gratitude, and will help alleviate stress from the financial burden during this devastating time.