Fund Lauren's Critical Medical Journey

Help Lauren Get Healthy and Back to School: A GoFundMe for Medical Expenses

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Strangers,

I am reaching out to you on behalf of Lauren, a 22-year-old aspiring nurse whose dreams have been tragically interrupted by a series of severe health challenges.

Just a year and a half ago, Lauren was thriving on a full scholarship, passionately pursuing her education. However, her life took a drastic turn when doctors discovered a large tumor on her thyroid. After undergoing surgery, her health continued to decline, leading to a complex array of serious medical issues that are perplexing her doctors. Today Lauren is facing Vasovagal Syncope, ineffective esophageal motility, and frequent rare viral infections. Some days, she struggles just to get out of bed.

Her doctors suspect a rare genetic disorder may be at the root of her symptoms, and they recommend she visit a specialized facility like the Mayo Clinic for further evaluation. Unfortunately, her insurance does not cover these critical expenses.

Lauren’s mother and my best friend for over 40 years, Lisa, is a dedicated single parent not only to Lauren but also to her 26 year-old son, Steven, who has Fragile X Syndrome and autism and requires constant care.(He is the mental age and capabilities of a 3 year old child) Lisa often puts her own needs aside to ensure both Lauren and Steven receive the support they require.

The costs of the clinic visit are substantial, and since it’s out of state, they will also incur expenses for travel, accommodation, and time off work. Lisa faces a difficult decision: find someone to care for Steven during this time or bring him along, which adds to the logistical challenges.

Every dollar raised will go directly to helping Lauren receive the medical care she desperately needs, allowing her to focus on healing and, hopefully, returning to school to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your network. Together, we can make a significant difference in Lauren's life and support this incredible family during their time of need.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

With love and gratitude,

Rachel DeBenedictus