Lauren's Hope

Please pray for the family of Lauren McCraw. She passed away today at 2pm! Lauren had Sanfilippo Syndrome.
What is Sanfilippo Syndrome?
Sanfilippo Syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder. Approximately 1 child in 75,000 is born with Sanfilippo Syndrome. In 1963, an Australian scientist named Dr. Sylvester Sanfilippo identified this disease. A child with Sanfilippo Syndrome is born lacking a very important enzyme that is used to break down certain chemicals in the body.

If these chemicals are not broken down and disposed of, they will build up causing serious damage. As the disease progresses, multiple complications will arise in the child’s health.

Seizure activity, hearing impairment, liver and spleen enlargement, sleeping difficulties, loss of mobility, difficulty in treating common illnesses, problems with swallowing, pneumonia, vomiting, and diarrhea are all common with a Sanfilippo child.

Due to the progressive nature of the disease, these children typically only live to reach 10 to 14 years of age.

Cindy, Lauren's mom, has always been an inspiration to me. Not only because mom's of children with disabilities have a common bond but because she exhibited abundant joy. Cindy was always smiling. The joy only supplied by Jesus Christ! Cindy would always dress Lauren beautifully! I guess the cruel irony is that Lauren was completely "normal" up until the age of 2. She was singing songs and playing just like any other kid. Lauren also attended the Meyer Center. Cindy also lost her mom about 6 months ago to cancer. So I know this is truly a hard time. But also a joyous one that she is free of her earthly body and free of that terrible disease. Lauren was in such physical pain before with constant seizures along with alot of other failures of her organs.

Please pray for the McCraw family.