There is a proverb that states that “It takes a village to raise a child”
As a new parent I can be honest in saying that I didn’t quite understand the weight or meaning of such a statement. I couldn’t picture our “village” extending much beyond our direct family, that is until now.
Since Lauren’s diagnosis we have been blessed with an outpouring of support, love and care towards our family. Our village has extended significantly, it not only includes friends and family but extends to our church community and then goes even father to include strangers from all over who have learned of Lauren and have cared enough to help.
We are often approached by kind strangers who let us know that they are praying for Lauren and our family. Some like Jenn Munro have even taken the initiative to fundraise on our behalf!
A week ago we launched our Lavender bracelet campaign to help raise funds to care for Lauren and raise awareness about Krabbe disease and our website. The response was more than moving, we were blown away by how Lauren’s story has touched so many.
One of the challenges we face on a daily basis is finding ways to engage Lauren as her cognitive and physical abilities continue to deteriorate. Although she may seem distant and sleepy at times we can still tell when Lauren is happy and enjoying her environment. Unfortunately, it has become more and more difficult to stimulate Lauren using regular toys and equipment due to her limitations.
Thanks to the donations many of you have made we will be able to purchase some specialty equipment to stimulate and improve the quality of Lauren’s life.
In addition, this money will help offset the cost of therapies that we hope will help alleviate some of Lauren’s pain.
As parents we try to do everything we can to enrich our children’s lives and make them happy. In the last few months we have struggled to reconcile our desire to enrich Lauren’s life with the reality of her limitations. The support shown over the past week has lifted our spirits and more importantly given us the opportunity to do much more to enrich Lauren’s life and make her happy.
We are sincerely grateful for your generosity and continued support and prayers. We will keep you up-to-date on the care made possible through your generosity.
Lots of Love (LOL),
Amanda, Stephen, Lauren xoxo
Mommy and Lauren at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner
Daddy's Turn!
It was Lauren's Grandpa Birthday on the 23rd, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!
Lauren enjoying some quality time with Grandpa
lifewithlol 
She is beautiful. Many prayers to you and your family.
Happy Birthday, Nabih! I think the profile of grandpa doting on his granddaughter and Lauren reciprocating that look is truly unique, artistic and touching. I’m sure she is wishing grandpa a happy birthday. It’s amazing how family birthdays give us the opportunity to devote a day to acknowledge how joyful each member is that the other was born.
The collective consciousness is indeed felt in this blog, Amanda.
Phyllis, I can certainly see it’s a happy day for you.
God bless your beautiful family,
Ann, Aunt Nellie, Willie, Robbie and Pat xox
I love that purple shirt on Lauren–not only is purple my favourite colour (and the Bishop’s colour too), it also brings out her beautiful blue eyes. 🙂
Purple is one of her favourite colours 🙂 Thanks!
You are all truly an inspiration. Good luck to you and your beautiful Lauren. My husband Chris Tohn and I are wearing your purple bracelets!! xox
Vanessa
Awww Thank you Vanessa, it makes me happy to think that you guys are wearing them.
I am so sad for you, we will keep Lauren in our prayers everyday xox
My husband Jamie and I received our bracelet and pictures yesterday. We have learned of your story through Becky Colp and Robyn Bertling. I have been reading your blog and admire the courage you have to share your story. All of us here at the Brown residence think of you all often and send positivity to you and your family.
xox Laurie-Anne, Jamie and Casey Brown