FON #HeartHero Spotlight: Lauren Wicklund
The Fontan Outcomes Network is a community of patients, family members, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and supporters, dedicated to improving the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with single ventricle circulation. Each month, we feature a member of the community who goes “above and beyond” in service of this mission as our #HeartHero.
Name: Lauren Wicklund
Nominated By: Heidi Wicklund
Reason for Nomination
Lauren amazes me so much with how she is currently doing peer-wise. She enjoys talking to other patients and helping them. She is kind, considerate, and caring. Lauren recently graduated from Illiana Christian High School and is planning on going to college. She wants to be a child life specialist; it is her dream to work at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. Lauren is amazing and a blessing!
About Lauren
When Lauren was born she was rushed to Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. She had her first open heart surgery on the third day after being born, her second surgery six months later, and her Fontan procedure at 2.5 years old. She has survived three open-heart surgeries was was diagnosed tricuspid atresia. We are so very grateful to all the surgeons, doctors, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, and nurses—the entire team.
Lauren received a series of heart surgeries, beginning the third day after her birth.
Lauren graduated from Illiana Christian High School this year and is planning to attend college.
Want to nominate your #HeartHero? Whether it’s a nurse, a patient, a physician, family member, or other, we encourage you to nominate your #HeartHero for the spotlight here.