TEAM LAUREN!

“Cancer sucks!” is a statement we’ve all heard, and for some, have painfully experienced. Lauren-a.k.a. Ren- is in the middle of this experience. In August, she was diagnosed with Class 3, Stage 2B aggressive breast cancer. She recently had a double mastectomy, and now she is preparing for 16 weeks of chemotherapy and a minimum of 4 weeks of radiation . . . Cancer. Truly. Sucks.

But there’s another reason why cancer sucks. It is financially suffocating. Breast cancer, even with insurance, can cost more up to $42,000, which is the ugly truth.

But let me tell you the beautiful truth about this wonderful specimen of a human: Ren is a teacher and has spent 21 years in the classroom. However, she is not a basic teacher. She embraced every one of her students into her heart. Ren doesn’t just teach the children; she takes the time to get to know the children and their families on a personal level. Last year, Ren bravely stepped out of her comfort zone of her classroom and became an independent Literacy Consultant. It was an exciting change for her but also more financially unpredictable. Then cancer happened. And I have a hard time believing anyone financially prepares for the cost of breast cancer. Throughout chemo, Ren will be working part time as a substitute at the Brandon Reading Clinic here in Florida. However, anyone that has gone through chemo knows the importance of staying in a germ-free environment. Therefore, and understandably, she will be limiting her exposure to the children. This will cause her a further financial hit.

I’m asking for your support in helping her get through this horrific ordeal. I really wouldn’t be reaching out to you all if she hadn’t already pulled from her retirement plan and borrowed from her family. Anyone that has gone through cancer knows the financial burden it can cause. Like all of the students Ren has embraced and helped along the way, we are asking you to embrace her struggle and help her win this battle.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and words alone can’t express the gratitude for any financial help shared. One more ask: Can you please share this post in all of your social media so Ren can get the love she so much deserves?

Thank you, “Team Lauren”