Published: August 18, 2008 10:04 pm      

Teen raises funds for PHA

Courtney Crauthers — About 250 people showed up to support 16-year-old Lauren Johnson in her quest to raise money Saturday for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

The Edmond teen, who was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension when she was 3 years old, hosted Painting A Stroke of Phenomenal Hope at Memorial Road Church of Christ.

“It’s really great how your community comes together,” Lauren said. “It makes me feel like everything will be OK.”

PH is a rare disease with continuous high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery in the lungs, which results in an enlarged heart that could lose its ability to pump. According to the PHA, people can live with the disease for 15-20 years and sometimes longer.

Participants in the fundraiser enjoyed carnival games, a bake sale and a performance by square dancers. They also had the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, which included art pieces donated by Edmond artists. A painting by Maryann Walls was sold for $775. Six artists volunteered to give live art demonstrations.

“We were hoping for 100 to 300 people and we’ve had at least that,” said Melissa Johnson, Lauren’s mom.

She said almost everything was donated for the event and they raised $3,000 through sponsorships before the event even started. Participants could buy wristbands for $16 that included games and a T-shirt. Within the first two hours, about 40 bands already had been sold.

Melissa Johnson said after the first calculations, they raised $10,500 but checks still are coming in. Lauren’s goal was $16,000 in recognition of her age.

“I think it’s really amazing that she is so involved in this even though she is struggling with this herself. She tries to live life to the fullest. That’s very inspiring to me,” said Sarah Taylor, Lauren’s cousin.

Christy Wright, one of Lauren’s youth sponsors at Meadowood Baptist Church, said the teen has given her testimony to the youth group and congregation. She said Lauren also raised money by selling PH awareness bracelets at church.

“I see a lot of kids at church wearing the bracelets,” Wright said. “She’s caring, friendly and just has an amazing heart.”

Julie Martin, Lauren’s aunt, said her niece has taught her to make the most of each opportunity and face adversity.

“The problems we’ve had are nothing compared to what she is going through,” Martin said. “She’s been simply amazing.”

Lauren and her family received good news on Monday. Lauren currently had been participating in a study for a new drug. The teen found out she had been taking a placebo but now is taking the actual drug.

“What I’ve learned from all this, is you have to laugh in the face of your insecurities,” Lauren said. “With all the research, I feel that there is so much hope.”

The event was in honor of Julian Willis, an 11-year-old boy with PH that Lauren met at a conference, and in memory of Katie Hill, who died in December due to complications of PH.



To make a donation to Lauren’s cause, checks can be made out to PHA and sent to P.O. Box 526, Edmond, Oklahoma, 73083.