Lauren's Fight against Crohn's

We are starting this GoFundMe page for our friend, Lauren. Lauren lives with Crohn’s Disease and on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 had an open colectomy. In English, she had open surgery to remove infected portions of her colon. The surgery lasted around 6 hours with the result of a temporary ileostomy bag. Since the 29th, her recovery has been up and down with many fevers which have kept her in the hospital. Being the fighter she is, Lauren has been walking when s
he can and finally had some solid
foods and things are looking up. Upon her release, she’ll need to stay in a hotel near the hospital in (Westin, Florida) until her follow up appointments on December 11th and 12th. After that will be a minimum of 6 weeks of at-home recovery with the potential removal of the bag at the end of February. Her parents are by her side, staying in a hotel so they don’t have to make the 3 ½ hour drive every day to see her.  

In order to get to know Lauren and why you should donate to help defray her medical costs, we want to introduce ourselves to tell you a bit about her.



Taylor Bittner:
Lauren is my best friend. From the moment I met her, I knew she was going to be my best friend. She didn't know it but I did. It took her three months and a little persuading but I somehow convinced her that we were two peas in a pod. We had so much fun in college! We got to do all the typical college stuff together like going to classes, living together, hanging with friends and learning about each other, the good the bad and everything in between.  Lauren is one of the strongest people I know. She has been gracefully dealing with this disease almost her whole life.  Even on her worst of days, she doesn't let it get her down.  Running has been a big part of her life and a huge motivation for her.  When she sets her mind to something she does it. Whether that's a race, or getting better from a setback with Crohn's. In our seven year friendship, she has tried over four different medications all with their different side effects.  As you know, she is now recovering from her surgery and has a long road to recovery. I know as with everything she will get through this with grace and with your help we can make this financial burden a little less for her. God bless all who can help. 

Janice Entsminger:
I met Lauren in 2013 when she signed up to run a half marathon and raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s (CCFA) Team Challenge program.  At the time, I was coaching for the local team in Orlando because I have Ulcerative Colitis.  Lauren joined the team because she loves to run and she wanted to help us raise funds and awareness for all patients who have Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis.  As you know Lauren has Crohn’s – an autoimmune disease that attacks the digestive tract.  No one knows the cause and at this point there is no cure.  There are many drugs or surgeries that help us control the disease, but there are no drugs or surgeries that can cure it.  These diseases are often called silent diseases because we keep up a good outside appearance – as we don’t want anyone to see the pain and agony that is going on inside of us.  We want to be “normal” and live a good life.  And no one wants to talk about poop!  Sadly, many Crohn’s patients will have to have surgery to correct blockages, strictures, fistula’s, etc. that often helps but still offers no cure and we know many friends who have had multiple surgeries but are still fighting and not letting the disease take anything from them.  The drugs, surgeries, tests etc. that we have to go through are very expensive and insurance does not cover any of them at 100% and with healthcare being what it is these days, the out-of-pocket expenses are very high. 

One of the ways that Lauren raised funds was the funniest and most effective ways I had ever seen.  She “pooped” her friends and family into making donations.  She and her sister Kim had two toilets that they decorated and would place in their victims’ front yards with a letter requiring a “ransom” to get it moved, and a “discount” if the friend referred another victim.  It was truly hilarious and got a lot of attention.  Lauren did the Napa to Sonoma half marathon that year and has continued to be involved with the local chapter of CCFA. 

Lynn Penyak:
Have you met someone who amazes you when you meet them and you’re not sure why? I met Lauren on a humid morning in April getting ready to run 5 miles before a 5k a group of us had signed up for. I remember thinking how perfect she seemed: the long legs and strength of a runner and someone quick with a funny comment. We had a lot of mutual friends it was inevitable that we’d see each other again and I was happy about that. Lauren has the rare appeal of someone who you are drawn to and feel instantly comfortable with. In a few months we were going to soccer matches, running a few times a week, and sitting around with a beer talking about nothing. Our friendship has been fast and intense; one which I hold close. Lauren has become the little sister I never had and I’m the big sister she didn’t know she needed . But underneath all our laughter has been a disease silently hurting her. While she didn’t show it to many, Lauren’s strength was close to zero at times and getting out of bed was difficult. Naps at my house, in her car, or on a bench at Disney are normal. Knowing where every bathroom stop is along a car ride or running route is not only normal but critical. I quickly learned that Crohn’s controlled a lot of Lauren’s life. As I write that, I laugh because Lauren will say that she doesn’t let Crohn’s run her life because she makes the decisions. And, she’s right. Through appointments with her gastroenterologist to lab visits to other random doctors, Lauren held the upper hand. She knew what was needed and how to get it done – with laughter through the fear. And now, after 7 nights in the hospital, Lauren is fighting to get strong again, so she can take back control and never give it up to Crohn’s again. If I tell her she sounds tired and we can talk tomorrow, she’ll respond with, “No. Tell me about your day first.” And the next thing I know we’ll be laughing about something crazy which no one would understand but we find hysterical.

I would give anything to take away the physical and mental pain Crohn’s has brought to my little sister’s life. But I would also not change one thing about her… so I guess I also am thankful to Crohn’s for forcing Lauren to be the strongest and funniest person I know.

Now that you know about Lauren, the amazing human being, and about Crohn's, please take a moment to look at the pictures of our strong friend. With your financial help Lauren will be able to pay the medical bills, hotel bills, and all of the other things she'll be facing as soon as she's out of the hospital. Every little bit helps. Will you join us as we fight for Lauren?

Thank you.