Lauren Shoemaker

Lauren Shoemaker is an inspiration. She is one of Hear See Hope’s most committed supporters, and she’s only 12. ​

Not only has Lauren been a great friend to our children and our entire family but she done so much to increase awareness of Usher Syndrome. Lauren is a very special person and we are so lucky to have her in our lives.

Starting with our auction in 2006 and each year thereafter, Lauren has done something that I admire her courage for. At the age of just 6, not only did she get up onstage alone in front of more than 200 people to sing karaoke at our auction but raised $1,000 in sponsorship money herself to sing that night. She’s done the same thing at every annual auction since. Her performances have been so inspiring to those attending that many others match her sponsorship donations each year. For several years Lauren also has asked for donations to Hear See Hope in lieu of birthday and Christmas gifts.

What’s most special about Lauren is her ability to help increase awareness. She’s always been there for our boys along the way. She’s proud to be their friend and has helped support Conner and Dalton when they needed help along the way. She’s selflessly helped the kids when they needed help seeing at night, had problems walking on the beach at a school field trip, tried to play sports in PE when the odds are stacked against them and been there to support them with a smile and a hug.   There are too many examples to list. At 4, Dalton thinks “My Lauren” is the best, probably because no matter what she’s doing, she stops to give him a big hug.

Thank you Lauren for all that you do for Hear See Hope and our family. You inspire us.
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– Lane McKittrick