Lauren Childress

Hi, my name is Jessica Barrett, and on Friday, September 15, my family received some of the most devastating news about my cousin Lauren. Lauren is 27 years old and a mental health nurse. She was injured while at work, resulting in a visit to the emergency room. The visit turned into something she will never forget. The words accompanying the doctor's MRI report we will never forget. They explained that they found a lesion on her frontal lobe and identified it as a primary CNS tumor (astrocytoma). This news has completely put everyone in shock. I will give you a little background information that further intensifies this finding. In 2016, her brother and my cousin died at the age of 23 from a brain tumor. The amount of fear that accompanies this diagnosis is something I cannot explain. Today, we went to her primary doctor to get a neurosurgery referral and figure out the plan for her. It has been decided that we will be flying to Houston to MD Anderson for treatment within the next seven days. They will need help with expenses, including life expenses, medical expenses, travel, lodging, and many things I am sure we haven't even considered. If you know me then you know Lauren is more like a sister to me than a cousin and I will do everything in my power to help her through this. Please consider donating any amount and if you are unable to donate please say a prayer for her, the doctors, and the entire family. I know that God will show up and provide what she needs.