Jan 8 was Lauren's birthday and we want to show our love to her by contributing to the PH organization that she supported through her time and dollars to continuously help others. She is missed so much.

My dearest friend Carla had just had her second baby... Carla and Dave were still considering names, or so I thought. They were bringing her over to my house for me to meet her. I met the three of them on my front walk (I was so excited!). Carla held the beautiful little cherub up to me said simply and quietly --- "This is Lauren Gail." My mind went blank; my nose started to cry; my legs began to shake. I don't know how long it took me to stutter out "Why d-did you n-name her that?" Lauren blinked in a happy little baby half-nap as Carla said "Because it's a pretty name". The rest of the day was a blur of love and pride and disbelief! And that's how I met Lauren (alias Little Gail).
Gail Gatewood (alias Big Gail)

Two Gails in a Pod

Lauren's parents gave me the profound honor of giving her the middle name of Gail... after me.  I was so, so proud of that.  I always called her "Lauren Gail" or "LG" or "Little Gail".   I was just Gail or "BG" or "Big Gail" to her.  I adored and treasured and cherished her.   I wanted her for my own daughter and tried repeatedly (in jest... well, sorta) to steal her.   It was our favorite running joke.  I will love you into Eternity, LG.

I met Lauren through Instagram in 2017. As we both discussed our experiences with PH, motivated each other to start YouTube channels and commiserated with each other over COVID impacts on our social lives. Throughout COVID we messaged all day every day and hoped one day we could meet in person. She was a delightful soul and her memory will live on 💜 

Lauren was funny and smart and sweet and courageous.  She will be so missed.

The times I had the pleasure of being in Laurens’ company I was always struck by her glowing presence and gentle nature. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you pass through this painful time. I hope her memory will forever enrich your lives. May you find peace and comfort. Claire Sims

Lauren was always so cheerful and happy and eager to help.  She was a wonderful science intern in 5th grade (2005) - she was a pleasure to work with and I could always count on her.  She was one of our leading presenters that school year. 

I came to know Lauren when she was around 17 shortly after I moved to Las Cruces. I immediately became aware that she had a rare gift for uplifting the spirits of everyone around her. Over the years, that character trait never faltered. Reading the other memories shared here, it is clear she had a positive impact wherever she went. I feel blessed to have known Lauren.  

I was heartbroken to hear of Lauren's death.  A theme has struck me as I've read people's memories of her on Facebook and elsewhere. What stands out most in our memories of Lauren isn't the frequent stints in the hospital, the discouragement she faced with PH setbacks, or the limitations PH brought in her life.  Even in light of the significance of those things, what quickly comes first to everyone's minds is her laughter (very memorable!), her awareness of others' struggles and how she could encourage them in it, her perseverance to push through a daily battle with joy, and her drivenness to be around other people.  I remember one RUF retreat we did up in Cloudcroft.  The elevation up there was going to make breathing more labored for her, so she weighed the cost, talked to her doctor, and made the drive!  I remember helping her unload a huge oxygen tank from her trunk when she arrived.  The whole time, I could see how hard she was working just to breathe.  But she wanted to stay.  She was that determined to be with others and not miss out on fellowship with the people she loved.  Her presence there came with a much higher cost than most others, but she gladly paid it and in doing so encouraged so many others.  Suffering either hardens someone's heart toward God or softens it--but never leaves it the same.  There's no doubt God used it to soften and open Lauren's heart to his kind, caring, healing presence with her.  I saw him use her suffering--as hard and undesirable as it was--as a leash to pull her nearer to him and deepen her dependence.  I also remember many, many conversations with her in the NMSU Barnes and Noble Starbucks... my heart warming and softening with admiration for her, but more... with love for God as I heard her tell me specific, updated ways she saw him sustaining her and affirming his mercy toward her.  In that way and for that reason, my friendship with Lauren is engraved in my memory.  Lord, you've been kind to allow me and so many others to be loved by, love, and learn from your servant Lauren.  She was (and remains!) a gift to us we didn't deserve.  I take great comfort in this.  Even as I grieve Lauren's death and departure from this world, heaven is not a coping mechanism for grieving people... but a durable  reality Jesus has painstakingly secured for his people.  Lauren knew that, and so to say that she's "breathing easy" now isn't just wishful thinking.  It's her destiny, full restoration of body, and of soul too.  She's more alive and at home than we ever got to witness here.  That is a hope I feel very deeply right now, even amid the grief. Lastly, I want to say "thank you" to Lauren's mom, dad, and brother.  I never got to meet you in person, but Lauren spoke often of the three of you when we used to meet up and talk.  I could only imagine the amount of silent sacrifices you've made as you walked alongside Lauren through the challenges of PH.  But I never detected an ounce of doubt in her that she was loved and treasured by her family.  For her, it was never "her" battle with PH, but "our" battle--she saw it as a family journey, not just her isolated lonely journey.  Your many sacrifices for her and the ways you treated her as your daughter and not your 'patient' honored her beyond words.  And your endurance alongside her all these years has been a deep encouragement to me.  I'm praying for each of you in the wake of her loss.  She is worthy of every bit of the grief we feel.  I'm thankful I know her... and am eager to see her again when we're both fully restored in the presence of God.

I met Lauren at RUF in college, and we went out a few times to have lunch and coffee... What I saw from her was a gentle soul who was striving to love well. She was willing to be open about her experience with PH and showed me the strength and courage the Lord equipped her for that journey. I will miss having her here and I am saddened by this. I do trust that she is now perfectly healed in the presence of the Lord, and I will look forward to joining her there in His glory.

Lauren was a shining light of inspiration to so many! I will always remember her determination and positivity during my class. She was kind enough to celebrate my retirement this past December and wrote me a beautiful card.  I am thankful she is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My prayers are with her family and friends at this time. I thank God I got to know Lauren!

Last year, I vividly recall my friend and colleague embarking on the courageous journey of 30 Days of PH. I remember Lauren expressing her desire to share her story yet doubting her ability. However, with a little support and encouragement, Lauren accomplished her goal and did so well. The outpouring of positive feedback from those who read her remarkable journey was truly inspiring. In surpassing her expectations, Lauren experienced a profound change after that. She believed in herself more. 

My heart ached when I read the post about her untimely passing. May she rest in peace, knowing she touched the lives of many. 💜 My deepest sympathies and condolences extend to her family, from one long-term P{H patient to another, and as a co-moderator of PH News.

I am so sad to hear this! I met Lauren and Carla at our PAH support meeting and I admired them so much. Sweet Lauren, you will be missed. My prayers for for all of your family, may God comfort you.