Lauren recently celebrated her 15th birthday as well as a year since her last operation. For a young girl who's endured 133 operations in 15 short years, this is a massive feat.
Lauren was born with a rare congenital problem-an oesophagus that wasn't connected at birth. Her condition has threatened her life several times over the years, but Lauren has refused to let it beat her. For the past year, Lauren has had the privilege of enjoying the life of a regular teenager. This includes her first birthday party at home with all of her friends, something she has not been well enough to do previously.
Yet, Lauren's return to health isn't something she takes for granted. Lauren is proud to be a junior ambassador for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, where she is giving back to others in her position.
She has been Humpty's top individual fundraiser at the Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn for the last two years, raising over $46,000 and donating 11 pieces of medical equipment to hospitals in need. When speaking recently with Humpty patron Ray Martin AM, Lauren said:
'I got to go home, so I want other kids to go home. I know what it's like. I know that the gift of going home is better than a present from Santa.'
Lauren's gift to children and parents going through the same thing she has is a special teddy bear. The Humpty Teddy Bears, which Lauren pays for from her own money, are gifted to parents and children in the Northern Territory to soothe them when they may be separated from their parents during Humpty Transport Incubator transfers on their way to further treatment.
Lauren says she, 'wanted parents and children to have something to hold tight. They are a reminder that you're being supported, and you'll get better.' When asked how she herself endured the years of operations and hospitalisations, Lauren thanks the support she got from her friends, family, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the wider community-those who gave her encouragement and belief.
Undeniable, however, is Lauren's own optimism and strength, which inevitably contributes to her endurance.
Now, as Lauren continues to look forward, she is focused on her year 10 senior year at school. Outside of school, she was recently awarded NSW Scout of the Year (2022), a well-deserved recognition of her generosity, kindness and strong sense of community spirit. Lauren is a survivor, and the Humpty team is so proud of how far she's come.
