So, last week she was found to qualify for another trial, (we are very thankful something else was available and an option for her) based on her diagnosis and previous treatment, etc.  The next trial would require her to go to Charlottesville, VA, a 5 hour drive for her. Although she qualified, she still had another step to take before she was cleared. To be sure she was healthy enough for the treatments they had to do a series of testing as well as labs.  This included bloodwork 🩸, EKG, echocardiogram and an in depth eye 👁️ exam.  (I’ll address that later) There are multiple options for treatment!! Some have proven very effective and some maybe even more so!! She currently doesn’t know which trial is going to be used first, but if it doesn’t work another will be started. Depending on which path they decide on will determine how often she will have to make the trip to VA.

Concerning the eye…I’m guessing it’s been 8 or more years ago she was diagnosed with keratoconus.  It is a thinning of the cornea and causes blurry or distorted vision which results in the cornea bulging into a cone shape. Therefore contacts weren’t an option. She has been wearing glasses since. Her vision is an important part of her job with driving and the firing of a handgun.  The cause is unknown. It progresses over time and slows around age 40. She will be  🎂 39 on May 24.  A bonus of the trip to VA yesterday was that she saw a leading eye doctor and was told she may be eligible for contacts, despite her keratoconus!! Significant advances have been made that results in the flattening of the cornea and improving vision.  That was a little bright ☀️ news!

Lauren processes her current situations and then does her best to move on and keep living life! She honestly amazes me with her positive attitude, determination, strength, hope and more. She continues to work her full time job as Lieutenant at the Tega Cay Police 👮🏼 Department and her side job as a drive instructor at 911 driving school in Rock Hill.  She LOVES her ⛪️ , Elevation Church, and enjoys sharing things she has learned with Bobby and I and others. 

Life is very difficult sometimes and the unknown is scary, but we have a Savior that carries us! Nothing takes Him by surprise and He has a plan for each one of us, including YOU! Pray that the best treatment will be the first one they use and that is it JUST what she needed. “Places everyone, Lauren is coming and the Lord is with her!!!!” We will continue to trust Him and pray for a miracle! Please keep praying along with us🙏♥️💪

For our good and His glory, 

Kim