Lauren T.Follow

Lauren Terry, an 8-year-old Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia sufferer, understands the trials and tribulations of fighting cancer. Diagnosed in 2005, Lauren underwent 26 months of treatment before being ruled in remission. After 16 months of dance lessons, attending school and being a rambunctious, healthy kid, Lauren was devastated to learn her cancer had returned. Her childhood years revolve around blood transfusions, lumbar punctures, spinal taps and extended absences from school. The smart third grader has had little more than a year to live, laugh and play as an ordinary child. But, those who’ve met Lauren know she isn’t ordinary in any way.

While many would have stomped their feet and complained about weekly chemo treatments, side effects of steroids and long hospital stays, Lauren has inspired her community to give. Often the recipient of local fundraisers Lauren decided she wanted to be on the front lines of finding a cure and approached the Laughlin Tourism Commission. She issued a challenge to all who will listen, “Are you tough enough to find a cure? Are you tough enough to shave your head to help cure cancer? Because I am!” A pint sized hero to all who’ve met her, Lauren Terry hasn’t let two battles with cancer slow her down. She handles her weekly treatments like a trooper and hopes for the day that she can travel, get her ears pierced and rejoin dance. She never doubts her recovery and inspires cancer patients across the Tri-state to have hope and believe that one day there will be a cure.