What a great event we had on July 9th. Lauren has undergone her total mastectomy and did need to come home on oxygen. Keep those good vibes coming and know that we are eternally thankful to each and every person who has helped, encouraged, donated and prayed. EVERY bit matters. We will continue to keep you updated on Lauren's battle.

So much Love~

"Casino for Cancer"

Saturday, July 9th at Sky Ranch Golf & Grill

5pm Cocktail Hour-

CASINO, Auction, Raffle, Music, Apps, Dessert & Cash Bar

Come casual or wear PINK!

17408 HWY 14, Sterling, CO 80751

*We have reached out to local hotels to block several rooms and will update with "group discount" and hotel info when available. (Please check back for updates)

Cancer SUCKS! It is something we hear pretty often, (we almost become desensitized to it), UNTIL it is our own problem. Lauren Dyess was diagnosed with cancer in late January, just before her 38th birthday. She moved home to Sterling shortly after her diagnosis to be with family for her care.
Unlike many breast cancers, younger women diagnosed are usually a more severe case, and Lauren is no exception.

Ironically, she found her passion in mammography, where she has worked for several years, after becoming an X-ray technologist in 2011. She has won awards for her contributions, when she was working in Vail. She moved to Ft. Collins when 2020 impacted her family (husband and fur-baby, Lew-Dog) and has been able to work for clinics across the front range. She is now a part of the group of patients she has supported, and fundraised for, with special insight into this disease.

Lauren’s cancer diagnosis is NOT the typical/common form we often see when we hear so much about breast cancer. Her cancer is fast, aggressive, “inflammatory” and testing positive for (recently discovered) genetic components, which may explain many of her other autoimmune disorders.

Official Diagnosis: High grade Invasive Ductal Carcinoma grade 3 (broken through duct causing tumor) with associated high-grade DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ… not broken from duct yet) Her2+ ER-PR-

This means, she has no hormonal involvement (which is the "typical" form seen in most breast cancers). In fact, that "HER2+" means her “oncogene” (cancer gene) just “turned on”. This is rare form—with high probability of recurrence.... (Because her oncogene is "on" and related to a genetic component, plus her already diagnosed inflammatory autoimmune disorders) -- BUT she is BATTLING this beast. Lauren’s treatment has caused several setbacks, even with her excellent team of doctors.

She needs a special cocktail of chemo (due to the severity and aggressiveness of her cancer) however, it has delayed rounds of chemo, due to her body’s reaction to the treatment. By her 3rd chemo treatment, she was suffering from a form of heart failure, which began her cardiology journey, with more meds—an issue to deal with secondary to her cancer treatment. Additionally, her labs have been so abnormal, with platelets over a million, severe anemia and need for blood and iron transfusions to help her survive the chemo. She is literally fighting one hell of a battle for her life right now.

The frustration we all feel is watching the shell of fatigue and pain-- even then, her sweet spirit shines through and carries on with an attitude that she CAN do this— it's heartbreaking to see the daily struggle at such a young age. We SEE it is a lonely, scary and a very sad journey, and know all her plans, career and little family suffer in a BROKEN SYSTEM.

As her family, she’s the baby—we can’t protect her, FIX this, or even do more than we all are. It's INFURIATING-- to NOT be able to work hard enough, or find a way, and the pit is deep to even write this all out and expose her vulnerabilities.

There are highlights, (when there has not been a setback) and just before she is due for her next chemo, she feels well enough to celebrate with a margarita—and we do—it's what we live for now. We also encourage her to “eat everything in sight” to keep her weight up.

The small jokes and “always a funny movie quote” still entertain us—because she is still the same, sweet, funny, social Lauren... she’s just really sick (which makes this journey very hard for her to share publicly and to be alone in parts of her battle at the same time).

She needs us—her community to hold her up. It is humbling to “ask for help” but we need to spread the word about her fundraiser far and wide. Please consider attending the event on July 9th and freely spread the word and invite throughout the community and beyond. Let’s show her how we can hold up one of our own. We won't ever consider a "doom & gloom" event---Let's have FUN!!

We've brought in a company that brings in Casino Dealers/Tables/Games and will be working around the community to secure sponsorships, donations for auction, ticket sales for the Raffle, and any help we can get. If that sounds like you, please reach out to us. Let's have damn good time for someone so deserving and a great cause.

Cancer Fund- Lauren Dyess

By Ellie Bivens

Cancer Fund- Lauren Dyess

Fundraiser for Lauren Dyess-- fighting aggressive cancer