At just five years old, Lauren was diagnosed with leukemia, but with the expert care and compassion of Children’s Hospital, she is now thriving and ready to inspire others. Today, at the age of 10, Lauren embodies resilience, hope, and the power of expert care. She has been named the 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child, representing Children’s Health Foundation and Children’s Hospital.
In April, Lauren and her family will travel to Orlando for Children’s Hospitals Week, sponsored by Walmart, The Brick, and the Air Canada Foundation. There, she will join other Champion Children in sharing her story and highlighting the life-changing impact of children’s hospitals. A celebration of Lauren and the official launch of the 2025 Champions program will happen Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4 p.m. at Strathroy Walmart.
Media Release:
A child’s first steps after surgery, in the steady hands of dedicated healthcare professionals, and in the unwavering determination of families. For ten-year-old Lauren, hope meant a team of experts guiding her through every challenge, ensuring she received the best possible care in her fight against leukemia.
Just before her fifth birthday, Lauren’s world changed overnight. Unexplained exhaustion and bruising led to a devastating diagnosis—leukemia. Within 24 hours, her family packed up and rushed to Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, uncertain of what lay ahead. But at Children’s, hope was waiting.
From Child Life Specialists easing her through painful procedures to Ollie the Therapeutic Clown bringing laughter on the hardest days, Lauren’s care team became a source of strength. Fear was met with compassion, and every milestone was celebrated. After two years of treatment, Lauren was declared cancer-free—her bravery bead necklace, as tall as she is, now a testament to every challenge she conquered.
Written by: C. Soares