Fighting Forward

Lauren's Story

Lauren Gilbert is a wife, mother, and healthcare operations leader from Collegeville, Pennsylvania. She and her husband Dan are raising two young children, Ella and Austin. 

In April 2025, Lauren was diagnosed with Stage IV signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of colon cancer. Since her diagnosis, Lauren has stepped away from work to focus fully on treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and participation in a clinical trial in Philadelphia.

Throughout her illness, Lauren has remained deeply committed to her children and family. She has found purpose in writing, creativity, and small acts of love that allow her to remain present in her children’s lives, even on difficult days. 

Surrounded by the support of her family, friends, and community, Lauren continues to face her diagnosis with honesty, strength, and an enduring focus on what matters most: love, connection, and time together.