In the spring of 2001, 33 year old Lauren Feinswog Millin is living a charmed life. Married to her college sweetheart, raising 2 year old Joshua, she is pregnant with their second child. An abnormally painful pregnancy ends with an emergency C-Section where doctors discover Lauren has an aggressive form of cancer that has already spread. Baby Matthew is premature but miraculously healthy. Lauren courageously battles for her life with a strength and dignity that inspires those around her. Sadly, she loses her battle before the end of the year.                                                                                                             In 2002, a year after Lauren’s death, her husband and parents founded “Lauren’s Light” to target the unique needs of young children when a parent has been diagnosed with cancer. They help prepare, educate and empower parents to have age-appropriate conversations with their children under the guidance of therapists. Lauren’s Light arranges counseling for the patients, their spouses and their children, organizes special outings for the families, and offers homework helpers and other services. And Lauren’s Light provides access to information that the family may not have the resources to obtain.

Extravaganza

On April 24th, 2010, Lauren’s Light had a wonderful event hosted by Gladys Magazine and Manny Alonso Productions at the stunning Trinity Cathedral in Miami.  This Extravaganza was a huge success!  A fashion show with gowns by Chic Parisien and produced by Manny Alonso was a sight to behold.  It was highlighted by singing, dancing and very moving music.  There was also a delicious reception after the show, catered by Sara Sharpe, and a terrific chance auction for the guests.

The evening was a Miami happening and we even made it into the social pages of the Miami Herald!     

Lauren’s Light was the charity of the evening.  While we’re excited about the monies raised at the Extravaganza, we are most happy about the amount of exposure this event has given us in the community.  The more people who know about Lauren’s Light, the more people we can help who need it.

Many thanks to Andrea Forte and Lynda Gordon of Gladys Magazine for asking us to join them as the charity for the Extravaganza and for working so hard to put on a first class event, Manny Alonso for a fabulous show, and the many Lauren’s Light volunteers who are always there when we need them to lend a helping hand.  They are:  Mallory Probst, Kim Fielder, Kerry Wohlstein, Jennifer LaRocca, Suzanne Cohen, Franny Lerner, Cindy Amar, Scott Feinswog, Ellis Glenn and Tony Weadon.

Did you know ... Each year, cancer strikes over 3,500,000 U.S. families with children under 18.  The rate is alarming and reportedly growing.  And no one knows this better than our own family.  At Lauren’s Light we continue to help families where a parent has cancer cope with this horrific experience.  The feedback from families has been unbelievable.  The stories are best conveyed in their own words: "Thanks to Lauren’s Light, my daughter and I are taking life one day at a time and moving forward together as a family. Lauren’s Light has truly helped me deal with my daughter’s questions that she has had due to her daddy having cancer and passing away. Lauren’s Light was there for us when we really needed it; I hope this service continues for other families in need. Thank you for caring for both of us."  B.P. "When I learned about Lauren’s Light, I wasn’t doing very well; I was depressed, overwhelmed and very scared.  My worst fear was “what is going to happen to my family, to my children, especially to my 13 year old daughter, Nicholle." I have seen so many incredible changes in her since. I now know that she will be OK if there comes a time that she will be without me.  This was only possible thanks to the generosity of Lauren’s Light.  I cannot express what this means to me, for this I am for ever thankful."  F.R.   "I received a phone call from someone offering me help. I could not believe it. I was so shocked that someone wanted to actually help me. That someone cared enough to want to help my children. You have been the light at a time of darkness, a voice of comfort and ears of wisdom and patience."  M.R.   Lauren's Light Slide Show