Lauren’s Story

I am a 33-year-old wife and momma of two, and in March 2025, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

I had 20 benign nodules in my lungs, seven enlarged lymph nodes, and two malignant tumors. By God’s great mercy and guidance, that is no longer the case. I now have 27 benign nodules, my lymph nodes are completely cancer-free, and the two tumors continue to shrink. Doctors are now even questioning whether there are active cancer cells in my body due to invalid test results.

Cancer is a heavy word—one that fear clings to. I don’t say what follows lightly. Only after walking through the fire myself can I truly mean it: Cancer is not always a bad thing.

Cancer is a tool of refinement—not just for the person diagnosed, but for those next to you. It refines the hearts of those praying for you, pleading for you, turning their heart back to God, or seeking His face for the first time…all because of how much they care for you.

The real battle isn’t physical; it’s a battle of faith—the same one we all face. Will we remain faithful even when the shadow of death is upon us? Will we run or declare who our God is when we are looking Goliath in the eye? Will we still point to Him when sadness floods us and we can’t speak? Because cancer or not, for those who bear His name, it is by His stripes we are healed.

The real battle isn’t physical; it’s a battle of faith—the same one we all face.

Even if I never hear the word “remission” on this side of heaven, I am deemed white as snow by the blood of the Lamb, and death has no sting. The true fight is not just saying these truths, but believing them. And once you do, you’ve won—the victory is yours…it’s His…and fear cannot hold you. You realize that tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us, that each day is a gift—one we’re called to live on mission, loving others, and leading them home with us.

So, live loved and suffer well, knowing that we are more than conquerors. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength. To Him be the glory.

Lauren attends the La Grange Campus.