Lauren

Secretary

Lauren resides in Florida with her husband of 9 years, Justin and their three children Rob, Ryder and CDH Survivor Rylee. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in business management.

At 20 weeks, Rylee was initially diagnosed with a giant omphalocele. A follow-up ultrasound appointment at 22 weeks revealed she also had a left sided CDH. After extensive research, we decided to relocate to St. Petersburg, Florida, to seek care at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. On November 14, 2019, Rylee made her dramatic entrance into the world via an emergency C-section. She was placed on ECMO within hours and underwent her CDH repair on day two. She was successfully taken off ECMO after 15 days.

Rylee's CDH was further complicated by her omphalocele which made her fragile lungs even more fragile causing her to struggle to breathe without assistance for more than six months. Shortly after turning seven months old, it was decided that Rylee would benefit from a tracheostomy. Following the procedure, Rylee began to thrive in the NICUand in July 2020, after 252 days in the hospital, Rylee was discharged! She came home on a ventilator, supplemental oxygen, 12 medications, and around-the-clock tube feedings and care. After she was released, the family decided to make Florida their permanent home.

Rylee is now four years old and thriving. She no longer requires around-the-clock care, allowing Lauren to focus on her passion for supporting other CDH families. Lauren is beyond excited to step into the role of Secretary of The CDH Foundation and to serve as a resource for others.