Lauren was a fighter. Her journey was long and inspired many. Below is part of her story in her own words (written in 2020).

“I am a four-time cancer survivor. In 2009, I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer; treated with five surgeries and two radioactive iodine treatments over the course of three years. I have been thyroid cancer free since 2013.

In June 2016, I was diagnosed with PH+ B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Treatment included chemotherapy, radiation, and an allogeneic stem cell (bone marrow) transplant. For the first transplant, my sister was a 100% match and my donor. In February 2019, I relapsed for the first time. Later that year, I participated in the CAR-T trial at UNC Hospital. They were moved by my story to become a medical social worker and featured me on their patient story page. The trial put me immediately in remission, however, in December 2019, I was minimal residual disease positive and on the path to another relapse. I had immunotherapy treatment, chemotherapy, and also campaigned for a non-related donor match through the Be The Match organization. My half-brother was a 50% match, and I had my second allogeneic stem cell transplant in February 2020. I was then in remission since day 100 post-second transplant.

My medical and cancer journey has been a life-altering experience in more ways than one. After my first transplant, I re-evaluated what I wanted to do, and decided to make a career change and pursue a Master of Social Work. I am currently in school virtually at the University of Southern California and aim to become LCSW certified and work with adult oncology patients. People battling cancer should not go through this journey alone, and that is one reason why I want to be a social worker; serving as an advocate and resource for those going through one of the most vulnerable, life-changing, and scary times in their life. I want to be a part of someone’s story and to be able to represent someone who is not able to do so for themselves.”

Since Lauren wrote that in 2020, she continued her battle with Leukemia and was given a terminal diagnosis at the beginning of 2021. She fought hard and surpassed expectations, despite many challenges, before finally passing away surrounded by her family on July 22, 2023.

Click here to read the story UNC published following her CAR-T trial in May, 2020.