Back to page

Getting Lauren To The Winning Post With Her Cancer Battle

  • Latest update

      6 January 2025
    Posted by: Lauren Russo
    Main image

    This is a difficult update to make today, Lauren finished the last of her double immunotherapy treatments at the end of November and other than some nasty side effects she was doing well. She continued with immunotherapy (Keytruda only) and we were awaiting a CT scan when just prior to Christmas Lauren began to experience some weakness in her left side, unfortunately on Friday we found out Lauren has a mass in her brain, currently she is in Waikato hospital awaiting neurosurgery. We are forever grateful to everyone for their kindness and amazing support and donations, and while this wasn’t the result we were hoping for we know Lauren will continue to fight this as she always has.

    Vanessa (Lauren’s Mum)

    Photo attached from Boxing Day

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Treatment #1

      6 October 2024
    Posted by: Lauren Russo

    Just thought I would let everyone know that I had my first combined treatment 2 weeks ago.

    I apologise that I didn’t put an update sooner but it’s been hard to keep up with everything!

    It all went well and I am fortunate to have the best nurses and doctors looking after me.

    It is not lost on us how lucky we are to be able to now access this treatment and we are so grateful!

    Thank you everyone so so much for your support. It has been an extremely humbling experience and I am forever grateful for your support!

    Also, a big thank you to the amazing team at Te Akau Racing, they have supported me from the start and I’m lucky to work with such a great team.

    Much love, Lauren.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • An Update - Getting Lauren To The Winning Post With Her Cancer Battle

      14 September 2024

    We are pleased to announce that, with over 315 donations in just over 24 hours, $80,000 has been successfully raised for Lauren's unfunded cancer treatment (Ipilimumab), which will begin in a few weeks. It was truly a team effort!

    Te Akau is beyond proud of our industry and the extraordinary people who have rallied behind Lauren. Your generosity has not only brought hope to one of our own but also shown the true heart of our racing community. In times like these, the selflessness of people like you reminds us all of the incredible power of compassion, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for that support.

    Together with Lauren, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your support is more than just financial—it’s a lifeline of hope, courage, and love as she embarks on this journey. We will be standing by her every step of the way, wishing her strength and healing.

    Thank you from the bottom of our hearts—your kindness will never be forgotten and will make a world of difference during this time. Together, you've helped Lauren get a stride closer to the winning post in her battle.

    Forever grateful, the team at Te Akau Racing 🧡

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment