Family Members


Liz Cairo
(sister & list member)



Michael Fitzgerald
(father & list member)



Mary Ann Blefko
(mother)



Hannah Link Fitzgerald
(sister)



Anthony C., Boyfriend
(senior prom, 2003)


Lauren Michele Fitzgerald
October 31, 1984 - July 18, 2005
Lauren was a life-long resident of Berks County, PA.  She attended Wyomissing Area Schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade.  While in high school, Lauren excelled academically.  She was a Latin scholar and traveled with her classmates to Italy and England during freshman and sophomore years.  She was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2003.  Lauren was active in Student Council and was involved with the morning announcement program.  She was also an active member of the stage crew.

From 7th through 12th grades, Lauren played on the school field hockey team.  She participated in camps at Syracuse University and the University of Maryland.  She was named team co-captain during her senior year.

Lauren graduated with honors in June, 2003. She then enrolled at Drexel University in Philadelphia as an interior design major, following an interest and passion that she had discovered years earlier.


"I may not be able to change what happens to me.
I refuse to be reduced by it.”       
                                                                                              Maya Angelou
                                                                                                                

Lauren fell in love with Drexel University and urban living.  She joined an academic service sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon and rowed for the crew team.  In May, 2004, while a freshman student at Drexel, Lauren was diagnosed with a primary brain tumor - a stage 3 anaplastic oligodendroglioma. She underwent 2 surgeries that summer followed by chemotherapy treatments at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.  Lauren returned to Drexel for the fall, 2004 semester, then took a leave of absence for the winter term to focus on fighting her prognosis.  In May, 2005, the tumor grew back aggressively. A scheduled 3rd surgery at Duke University Hospital was canceled. Lauren died on July 18, 2005 at Duke, after lapsing into a coma, at age 20.

Throughout her 14 month ordeal, Lauren maintained her dignity, her love of life, and her high spirits. She refused to let her diagnosis interfere with her life, choosing instead to live by a favorite quote from American poet Maya Angelou: "I may not be able to change what happens to me.  I refuse to be reduced by it."

Even death could not diminish her love of life. Five (5) people received organs that Lauren chose to donate – her heart, lungs, liver and kidneys were used to serve those in need. Her legacy, love and generosity will live forever.

We love you and miss you, Lauren - Mom, Dad, Liz, Hannah, Anthony, friends and family.

Special Items & Events:

Fitzy's 5K Halloween Run: This event was established as a fall fundraiser for the ABTA.

Lauren Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarships: Scholarships were established at Lauren's alma mater, Wyomissing Area High School and at Wilson High School where Lauren's father is a teacher.

Lauren Fitzgerald Memorial Fund for Brain Tumor Research:  This fund was established to provide
an annual research grant to the American Brain Tumor Association.

Local Newspaper Article:  A local newspaper article about Lauren's journey and her decision to
become an organ donor.

Liz's Letter to Lauren

Lauren's letter to her sorority sisters ( Delta Phi Epsilon)

The Day After - a recollection