Lauren’s W15H
Hello September 19th, 2015
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Just like any other 10-year-old, Lauren loved sports, playing outside and playing with friends. But, in August 2013, all of this was put at serious risk. She was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor called osteosarcoma, which put her through eight grueling rounds of chemotherapy and finally culminated with a choice that would forever change her life…
Lauren’s Story
Lauren would have to undergo surgery to remove the cancerous tumor on her lower right leg. This surgery came with a choice between a metal rod implantation where the tumor would be removed, but would limit her to walking ONLY, or a procedure called rotationplasty. Through a rotationplasty, she would have a partial amputation of her leg, and her anklebone and joint would be rotated and implanted as the knee joint. In time, she would be still have the mobility of a normal kid again. Lauren knew the last thing she wanted was to be limited, so she made the courageous decision to have the rotationplasty.
The procedure promised to give Lauren a normal life again, but it came at a price. Lauren would have to endure countless hours of physical therapy, and many days were marked by frustration and tears.
“My entire family would say the many talks with God were TRULY what kept us together and helped us to keep moving forward each day,” says Lauren. “God worked miracles in our lives on a daily basis. We had many battles throughout that we had to overcome… Each time I felt as if I had been knocked down and could not find the means to get back up, His love lifted and carried me.”
Lauren’s bravery and determination inspired her sister to reach out to our W15H program, sharing Lauren’s love of and desire to meet Tim. Her sister wrote, “Tim inspires Lauren to push on even on her toughest days.”
Lauren’s W15H Experience
This weekend, the Tim Tebow Foundation’s W15H (Wish 15) program is holding its first official W15H experience of 2015 in Baton Rouge, LA. Lauren and her family arrived Friday, September 18, and TTF and Baton Rouge have rolled out the red carpet for her! She was treated to a VIP welcome at her hotel, gifts, free exploration of some of Baton Rouge’s most iconic landmarks, an inside look at the LSU football facilities, an amazing dinner, time with Tim and a VIP concert experience! W15H has partnered with the SEC Network for a behind-the-scenes visit to the live set of SEC Nation today, Saturday, September 19. Following SEC Nation, Lauren will attend LSU’s private VIP tailgate prior to attending the matchup between LSU and Auburn! In regards to her W15H experience and meeting Tim, Lauren shared, “I want to be like Tim, an inspiration to those who are down and out. I want to share the happiness, love and blessings God gives to me daily.”
Lauren’s W15H will culminate Sunday, September 20, with a VIP visit to the Baton Rouge Zoo. It is sure to be a fun day full of extra special activities. We pray Lauren’s strength continues and she is able to be an inspiration to others who need Faith, Hope and Love in their darkest hour of need!
The Tim Tebow Foundation W15H program fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses who dream of meeting Tim Tebow. Each W15H child receives a custom experience and a unique W15H gift package containing exclusive W15H luggage, official W15H t-shirts, a Nike duffle bag, a copy of Tim’s book, Through My Eyes, Florida Gators: 2008 National Championship book, a personalized Bible and more. To help grant more W15H experiences, donate today!
