Lauren Sandor is an active 10-year-old who is full of life and energy as a dancer and possessing a second degree black belt in Taekwando. It was this athleticism and grace that helped her fight and prevail against a diagnosis of ganglioneuroblastoma at the age of 8.
 
In September 2011, Lauren started experiencing an abrupt and profound weight loss accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea. Originally diagnosed as ulcerative colitis, Lauren was admitted to the hospital. It was during this time that a CT scan was performed and happened to find a mass in her abdomen, just above her left kidney. It was then that she was diagnosed with cancer.
 
In Lauren’s case, she was fortunate to catch the cancer in the early stages (stage 1) and it had not spread. She underwent surgery to remove the mass, but was able to avoid any chemotherapy or radiation.
 
Despite enduring multiple surgeries and other complications prior to diagnosis, Lauren remains a normal and “healthy” child. She complied with everything that was asked of her during treatment and rather than regress developmentally, the experience seemed to cause her to mature well beyond her years.
 
Her mother Annmarie encourages other families going through a cancer diagnosis to take it one day at a time and not think too much about the “what if’s.” She prays that her daughter’s worst days are behind her and that she will fulfill all of her dreams.

Information provided by Annmarie Sandor, Lauren’s Mom
April 2014