Catholic Woman’s Inspiring Faith Uplifts Family and Community| National Catholic Register

Lauren Vignola, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of 2, is an incredible example of how to bear witness to God’s grace.

Her story is remarkable and a true testament of a faith-filled journey of hope, healing, struggles, miracles — and so many blessings.

Lauren was born healthy, her mother, Maria Vignolia, told the Register. But when she was first learning how to walk and had difficulty, her parents were concerned.

After several doctors’ visits, the toddler was officially diagnosed — with a stage-4 brain tumor.

Due to Lauren’s age and the location of the mass, major hospitals were not able to treat her, and doctors gave her 12 months to live.

About a year later, Lauren received treatment in Germany to help shrink the tumor — but, instead, the tumor continued to grow.

The tumor took its toll on Lauren’s little body, her mother recounted, as she was sleeping all day and was unable to walk or talk.

Her family decided to take their worries and concerns to “the gate of heaven,” to Mother Mary, and to ask Our Lady to pray for Lauren. Against everyone’s advice, they took her to Medjugorje.

When the family returned, after several tests, it was discovered that the tumor was gone. However, Lauren still faced several disabilities, most of which she still deals with today.

And social isolation also took its toll.

“I think this hurt her more than anything, watching other children having birthday parties and sleepovers and not being invited,” Maria Vignolia said, adding: “The school system was … not openly welcome.”

These obstacles did not stop Lauren, however. She continued to persevere and use her incredible inner strength to graduate high school at the top of her class and go on to college and receive an associate’s degree. And she has written a book, A Rose From Heaven — a memoir about the struggles and blessings she has received and the importance of immense trust in God.

Her book serves as a way “to inspire those who struggle with faith and trust.”

Lauren’s motivation to tell her story is very simple.

“I felt the Holy Spirit inside of me telling me that the time has come for people to know the story of my life so that they can get closer to God because, ultimately, he wants people to be close to him,” she told the Register. “And so I’m trying to help him along.”

Lauren, 38, who is wheelchair-bound, says that she wants to let people know that they can get through suffering when they have God and pray to him for strength and healing.

“Ultimately, if one person reads my memoir and goes back to Christ, it would be a win. But I’m glad that I’m reaching more people with my story because I know it is God’s will and Mother Mary’s as well,” Lauren added.

Lauren’s daily life is quite busy. She tries to go to daily Mass every morning (which she relies on others to drive her to) and makes practicing walking a priority, which can be difficult at times.

During the week, she has physical therapy appointments, works on the stretches that the doctor prescribes, goes bowling on Mondays and on Thursdays and attends dance class to meet up with her friends.

Lauren is very active in her community. She loves to take pottery, math and painting classes. She also loves learning Italian and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

“Some days she might go shopping and loves to go for walks in the park. Lauren’s sister has a farm and she loves helping her,” her mother said.

Lauren also loves swimming and traveling, especially to see holy sites. She is also involved in the Special Olympics, where she competes in Bocce and skiing. In the spring and fall, she does therapeutic horseback riding.

Her family says that Lauren keeps a positive spirit and attitude every day and greatly sees “the abundance of all the blessings given to her,” as her mother said, adding that Lauren is incredibly smart while also having a great wit and sense of humor.

Lauren desires to be independent, though certain difficulties arise.

Most days, Lauren needs help getting ready for the day and for bed.

“The idea of being able to do for herself is always her goal,” her mother said.

But Lauren does not let her challenges stop her and continues to overcome them. She even uses a one-handed keyboard for her computer, adapting to the everyday difficulties of her condition.

She receives services at The ARC of Frederick County, located in Maryland, which assists those with developmental disabilities to ensure that they live happy and healthy lives. The Arc provides services directly in people’s homes for a more individualized experience.

The Arc helps Lauren achieve her goals and with her daily tasks. One of Lauren’s main goals was to get her book published. She hosted a book signing back in April in celebration of her new release.

“I have worked with Lauren for 14 years,” said Lisa Martinis, Lauren’s support coordinator at The Arc, adding that Lauren and her family “are just a pleasure to work with.”

“She has a fantastic support system who advocates for her health and helps her reach her individual goals,” she continued.

“Lauren has a great personality and a fantastic sense of humor,” Martinis said. “She is a great person to have discussions with about current events and what is going on in the world. It is a pleasure to have these conversations with her about these topics.”

“Her story is fantastic and gives people hope,” she emphasized.

Her Faith Journey

“Since the very first day we received Lauren’s devastating diagnosis we knew that we were not in control and all we could do is pray,” her mother said.

Lauren’s diagnosis brought the family closer to Our Lord.

“Lauren grew up in the Church and learned quickly how important it was to have God in her life,” her mother said, adding, “I believe her love for God and the Blessed Mother inspires those who meet her. Her smile and love of life and others is contagious.”

Lauren’s faith never wavers. She knows that she is here on earth for a special purpose. She often uses prayer meditations from the Hallow app on her phone and loves to listen to Christian music.

She strives to learn more about the lives of saints, too.

EWTN has been a blessing to her in many ways — especially the network’s movies about the saints.

“Pope St. John Paul has written much about suffering and the graces we receive from it,” Lauren said. “I know there is a reason God allows this, and I know he has given me and will continue to give me the strength to keep going.”

She added: “Mother Mary has been my role model because she endured immense pain and suffering throughout her years on earth.”

National Catholic Register