Some of the most beautiful things come from tragedy, and this story is no exception. Lauren’s Foundation was co – created by our own ISTEM teacher Mr.Fitzgerald who retired from Wilson two years ago. That is why Lauren’s foundation works with many Wilson students and families who have gone through life – altering events and are working past them. Here is the story behind a great cause; a cause that has been helping not just Wilson Bulldog families but families all over the county for years!
Lauren Fitzgerald was a student at Wyomissing School District. She was involved in her school community by being a part of student government, stage crew, the morning announcement team and playing field hockey for the school. Mr.Fitzgerald adds that she was always helping and supporting people even through their lowest. As well as seeking new perspectives on topics and in life, she was co-captain of the team her senior year and graduated high school with honors in 2003. Lauren enrolled in Drexel University in Philadelphia; to study interior design. In Philadelphia, she embraced city life and once again became an active part in her new city’s community. She joined the rowing team as well as joining an academic service sorority – Delta Phi Epsilon. Mr. Fitzgerald added that some of Lauren’s sorority sisters still come and support the 5k and run in it, too!
Towards the end of Lauren’s senior year, she was diagnosed with stage 3 Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma – a primary brain tumor. After this news, Lauren kept her head and fought. She never let her illness change how she lived her life. A quote by Maya Angelou inspired her during this time: “I may not be able to change what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.” She received two surgeries through that summer, as well as chemotherapy treatment. She wanted to continue her education throughout these challenges, but she did have to take a leave of absence during the winter. In May of 2005, the cancer came back more aggressively than ever. Then, sadly, on July 18, 2005, Lauren passed away after lapsing into a coma.
I got in contact with Mr.Fitzgerald who is the co-leader of the foundation and Lauren’s dad to ask some questions regarding the foundation.
I asked him what his and his wife’s motivation was to create the foundation. His response was, “In the aftermath of Lauren’s passing, we wanted to do something to give back to the community. We were very fortunate to benefit from the generosity of so many people as Lauren fought her brain tumor. After she died, we had money that had been donated to help us with the costs of caring for her – it didn’t feel right to keep those funds, so we decided to start a nonprofit to honor Lauren and help others in need.”
He gave some details on the foundation’s most popular event, the Fitzy’s 5k: “I think the 5K itself is the main attraction. My wife, Sorita Averill (Lauren’s stepmom), owns the Fleet Feet store in West Reading, so a 5K run was a natural fit. We also provide child care so parents can run, which is not something you will find at most 5k runs. The food trucks are also a big hit – we started bringing them on 2 years ago. We used to handle the food service ourselves, but it got to be too much for us to continue. And finally, the Halloween theme is a big part of the attraction – Lauren was
born on Halloween.”
I also asked about another part of the foundation – the Sunflower Fund. He responded, “The Sunflower fund was created to help families with seriously ill or terminally ill children. We learned firsthand that you can have good health insurance, but it doesn’t cover expenses like travel, food or lodging if you are taking your child to a non local hospital for treatment. So the fund was started and we work with families to help them cover basic living expenses, so the family can concentrate on caring for their child.”
Lauren’s story will continue on by the work her family and friends have done. I want to thank Mr.Fitzgerald and his wife and everyone else on the leadership team for this organization. You are doing great work! If you want to support this amazing organization, be sure to sign up to run at Fitzy’s 5k on October 29! See Mrs.Dennes in room E328 for more information or just for a brochure on the foundation!
