September Awareness Month: Lauren's Story

A Journey of Grace, Grit, and Growth

From the moment Lauren Holland entered the world, her life has been one of quiet strength, radiant perseverance, and quiet victories— each step forward a testament to her resilience and the deep love of her family. Born in Fishers, Indiana, to parents Shawn and Kim Holland, Lauren came into a world that had long been waiting for her. After years of infertility treatments, Kim became pregnant naturally, a miracle that filled the Hollands with gratitude and hope. The pregnancy progressed smoothly, and anticipation grew with each passing month. But Lauren’s birth would mark the beginning of an unexpected journey. When she was delivered, an unusual silence overtook the delivery room. The expected cries didn’t come right away. Lauren had swallowed amniotic fluid and required immediate suctioning. Amid the flurry, the medical team gently shared that Lauren was healthy but had been born with a cleft lip—one side of her lip had not closed during development, leaving it open up to her nostril. It was a condition that Kim and Shawn knew little about, but the reassurance that it was repairable brought comfort. They were simply overjoyed to welcome their long-awaited daughter.

Just two days after Lauren was born, the Hollands found themselves sitting with the Craniofacial team at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The moment was surreal—far from the peaceful new-parent experience Kim had envisioned—but the team’s compassion made the difference. They outlined a roadmap for Lauren’s care that would include seven reconstructive surgeries, starting when she was just three months old.

The first surgery was emotionally grueling. Kim and Shawn slept in hospital room chairs so they could be there when Lauren woke up from anesthesia. Her second surgery fell around Christmastime, and to protect her from seasonal illness, they skipped the mall Santa visit. Instead, Shawn dressed up as Santa himself, creating a beautiful memory and ensuring the tradition stayed intact.

By age 3½, Lauren faced a particularly intense surgery to reposition her nostril. The recovery was painful and required her to miss two months of preschool. At the time, Kim was pregnant with Lauren’s younger sister, Courtney, and caring for her toddler brother, Drew. Balancing the needs of the whole family while helping Lauren heal was no small feat. Still, through every step, Lauren showed remarkable courage. She never once complained. It was Lauren, in fact, who became the family’s source of strength.

To help shield Lauren from the harshness of the world, the Hollands leaned on support systems. One of the most transformative connections was through Camp About Face, a summer camp hosted by Riley Hospital for children with craniofacial anomalies. From ages 10 to 18, Lauren spent one magical week each summer at Bradford Woods in Martinsville, Indiana, immersed in friendship, fun, and belonging. She hiked, swam, canoed, danced, and laughed with others who truly understood what it meant to be different—but never less. The camp became her favorite part of the year, a place where she could just be Lauren.

As she grew older, Lauren joined the camp’s Leadership Academy, which emphasized self-reflection and skills for adult life. She worked closely with mentors and younger campers, learning to lead and to advocate. Today, she still stays in touch with many of the friends she met there, and every September, she joins the Smile Stroll 5K, promoting awareness and acceptance of craniofacial conditions while supporting Camp About Face.

While Lauren’s early life was shaped by surgeries and hospital stays, another diagnosis was quietly unfolding beneath the surface. Just shy of her fifth birthday, Lauren was formally diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability and a learning disability. This diagnosis came in January 2006 after several developmental markers prompted concern. Academic tasks that came more naturally to her peers were significant struggles for Lauren. Despite repeated efforts and school changes, traditional classroom settings weren’t meeting her needs.

After trying four different schools, the family finally found what they’d been praying for: a school that understood how Lauren learned. Fortune Academy, a school specifically designed for children with learning differences, became Lauren’s educational home. There, she not only gained academic support but also learned vital self-advocacy skills. She discovered strategies that empowered her to participate fully in her own education. In 2020, amid the chaos and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lauren achieved something extraordinary—she graduated from high school with a diploma.

Lauren’s milestones, though hardwon, were celebrated with deep joy. One of Kim’s favorite memories is of summer beach vacations with her three children—Lauren, Drew, and Courtney—watching them play in the surf, laughing and splashing with carefree abandon. These were the golden moments that reminded her how much beauty was to be found in the everyday.

The Hollands have always believed in emphasizing strengths. For Lauren, that strength included a knack for spelling. Kim often enlisted Lauren to quiz her brother and sister on their spelling words—an activity that made Lauren feel confident and connected.

After high school, Lauren was accepted into the LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, a life skills immersion program for students with intellectual disabilities. Although COVID disrupted what was supposed to be a multi-year experience, Lauren attended for one year, gaining valuable independence and experiencing college life in a supported environment.

Now back home in Fishers, Indiana—where the Hollands have lived since 1996—Lauren continues to thrive. She lives with her parents and works part-time at the Wheeler Mission Store.

She’s active in her church, Heartland, attending services with close friends Zach and Kelsey. She also participates in the Thrive Social Club, a community group that offers meaningful connection and social activities for individuals with disabilities.

In her spare time, Lauren enjoys sports, particularly volleyball and basketball. She plays both with Special Olympics Hamilton County, which provides not only recreational opportunities but also a sense of belonging and achievement. Until recently, she also volunteered at the Grace Food Pantry, giving back to the community that has given so much to her.

Lauren’s story is not only her own; it is deeply intertwined with her family’s journey. Her parents, Kim and Shawn, have been unwavering advocates. Her siblings, Drew and Courtney, have grown into compassionate young adults, shaped by a family culture of understanding and respect. Drew, now 22, is serving in the U.S. Navy, while 20-year-old Courtney is a junior at Indiana University. Both attended Fishers High School, like many peers in their community, but they grew up with a unique lens—one that celebrated differences and saw value in every person’s path.

The family’s ability to navigate complex challenges has come in part from what Kim affectionately calls “Team Lauren.” This ever-growing network has included teachers, speech therapists, counselors, behavior therapists, a job coach, and a waiver services case manager. It’s a mosaic of professionals who have helped Lauren at every stage, bringing their expertise and kindness to her journey.

Throughout their experience, the Hollands have benefited from local organizations and resources that serve the disability community. Groups like ASK (About Special Kids), Noble, Janus Developmental Services, Fishers Disability Committee, InvestAble, and cooking classes through Merici Village have all played critical roles. Each program offered something unique— be it advocacy, education, employment training, or life skills development. Together, they’ve helped the Hollands feel less alone and more equipped to support Lauren.

Still, there are gaps in services. Kim has long dreamed of a support group specifically for young women with intellectual disabilities—something that blends social connection with life skills education. She envisions a program covering topics like dating safety, nutrition, self-care, and healthy relationships, ideally offered through a partnership between several local organizations.

What makes the Hollands’ story so impactful is not just what they’ve faced but how they’ve faced it. They’ve met each obstacle with courage and community. They’ve taught their children to respect others, embrace differences, and understand that every person has both strengths and challenges. Lauren, in particular, has become a living example of how embracing one’s individuality leads to a fulfilling and joyful life.

For anyone newly navigating the special needs world, Kim offers practical wisdom: “Don’t be shy about asking for help. Reach out to teachers, neighbors, local churches, and even the Chamber of Commerce. Most people are more than willing to share resources and point you in the right direction.” She emphasizes the importance of empowerment through education. Learning everything you can about a diagnosis, she believes, helps take away fear and uncertainty. Support groups—whether virtual or in-person—offer camaraderie, encouragement, and access to valuable tools.

Perhaps what stands out most in Lauren’s story is the joy and love that shine through every chapter. While challenges have certainly existed— complex medical needs, educational roadblocks, social misunderstandings— the Holland family has always led with compassion, humor, and faith. They have built a life not defined by diagnoses, but by connection and purpose.

Lauren’s future continues to unfold with possibility. With a strong foundation, a loving support system, and a vibrant spirit, she is stepping confidently into adulthood. She is not just surviving—she is thriving, showing others what’s possible when love, support, and belief meet courage.