THE DIAGNOSIS
Dear friends, family, and caring individuals,
On May 23rd, 2023, my loving and generous, 33 year old sister, Lauren was dealt a devastating blow. After a week in the ER with back pain and severe stomach swelling, she was diagnosed with Stage IV Diffuse Large B-Cell and Follicular Lymphoma, an uncommon disease for such a young, healthy, and active individual.
Lauren has a challenging voyage ahead, which has been made even more difficult by the delay of activated medical insurance. All of her bills starting from when she was admitted to the hospital, through August, will not be covered by insurance. This fundraising campaign has been created to rally support and raise funds to ensure that Lauren receives the life-saving treatment that she desperately needs.
ABOUT LAUREN (AKA “AUNTIE LOLO”)
Lauren has always been an extraordinary force of positivity and resilience. She is a wonderful sister, daughter, devoted auntie, and friend. She is a former D1 water polo player who has a fond love and passion for the world of food and hospitality. She has dedicated countless hours to her boutique catering and event business, supporting her staff, her clients, and her loved ones without hesitation. Her biggest concern throughout this all was to make sure her team and customers were taken care of.
Lauren has lost her ability to attend her catered events, yet she is confident she will gain something even greater through this journey: a new found perspective on living. She is in uplifting spirits and has expressed that she wishes to host a Thank You dinner party for all friends, family and donors once she recovers. She will also be donating her bloodwork and any resources she can to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Arizona. This non-profit funds blood cancer research, supports patients and families, and provides financial aid programs for those in need.
THE REALITY
Lauren’s plan was to grow her small business to a place where medical insurance was a benefit to herself and her employees over the next year…however, this diagnosis has brought her life to a screeching halt, presenting an overwhelming financial burden that she simply cannot bear alone. The sudden onset of cancer required immediate medical attention and we quickly learned how difficult it was to acquire insurance after being diagnosed with a pre-existing condition.
While in the hospital, Lauren underwent emergency kidney stent surgery, critical chemo treatment (she has completed 2 of 6 rounds so far), laboratory tests, doctor consultations, and was prescribed specialized medications and treatment.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
By contributing to this fundraising campaign, you can make an immense difference in her life. Your donations, regardless of the amount, will enable Lauren to access the critical medical care necessary for her recovery and help with the costs that are not covered by medical insurance. Together, we can help alleviate the financial burden she faces and allow her to focus on healing.
To help amplify our collective impact and bring us closer to our fundraising goal, we ask that you share this campaign with others, reaching out to your networks to spread the word. Thank you from the depths of our hearts for being a part of Lauren’s journey to defeat this Lymphoma. Your support will not only alleviate her financial stress but also remind her that she is surrounded by caring individuals rooting for her victory over cancer.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Cassie Wyckoff Smillie and Family
P.S. We will continue to keep you updated on Lauren’s progress on this campaign. If you would like to contact me privately, or send a message directly to Lauren, you may reach me via e-mail at Cassie.wyckoff628@gmail.com.
