Lauren grew up with her younger sister, Kate, in Mt. Sinai NY. Growing up she was a fan of the Backstreet Boys and a loyal fan of the Mets and Giants. She graduated from SUNY Binghamton, NY with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2006. After college she moved to the Washington DC area.  She earned a Master’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University. Lauren was an avid reader, and she enjoyed playing sports like softball and golf with her friends. She loved shopping and buying shoes.  She and her boyfriend, Brian, enjoyed the outdoors and visited a dozen national parks across the country.  
 
In the summer of 2012 while on vacation at the Grand Canyon, she noticed some swelling in her arm.  After some tests, Lauren was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. It was rare at her age, 28, to be diagnosed with this type of cancer.  This diagnosis was confirmed after she had a second opinion at Johns Hopkins.  
 
She was prescribed a treatment of chemotherapy and radiation. She received treatment through Virginia Cancer Specialists and INOVA Hospital in Fairfax, VA.  Throughout her treatment, Lauren was pragmatic and always stayed positive.  Her unwavering optimism helped her family throughout her illness.  Unfortunately, on May 4, 2014, Lauren lost her battle to this terrible disease two months before her 30th birthday.  
 
Lauren’s family’s hope for the future is that more awareness of childhood cancer will bring funding for more research.  More research makes it possible to find new treatments that have fewer health risks and have a better chance of curing the disease.    
 
Lauren is her family’s hero because of her determination to fight this disease, while trying to maintain a “normal” life. She found the inner strength to stay strong and hopeful throughout her treatment. Her mother, Monica, says, “She maintained her composure, when I could not.” Her family misses Lauren every day.  
 
Information provided by Monica Csorny, Lauren’s mother
Updated: April 2016