Lauren Forkner
2004 Community Hero
At 19, Lauren is destined to be a world traveler. By all accounts, she’s off to a good start, having already visited Mexico, Canada, Belgium, England and France. Next on her itinerary is the Caribbean. Small wonder Lauren has a real affinity for photography, a natural complement to having the “travel bug.”
These days, Lauren spends a great deal of time studying to become a dental assistant, something she manages to fit in between the many hospital visits, exhausting medical treatments and lung “clean outs” she must endure due to Cystic Fibrosis.
One of Lauren’s many strong suits is the ability to face challenges with a positive attitude. Her mother proudly contends that “Lauren’s strength – her ability to live in the moment with such grace and joy – has taught our family many valuable lessons about life. She makes us, as her parents, stronger!"
Perhaps Lauren herself sums it up best: “Accept what you’ve been given and be grateful for what you have. Live life to the fullest and try your best not to take life too seriously.”
