Remembering APHA Competitor Lauren Michelle Kelly
Lauren Michelle Kelly and her horse “Goose.” All photos provided by Carri Wilborn.
March 26th UPDATE: We are deeply saddened that we must relay the news that our friend and APHA competitor, Lauren Michelle Kelly, passed away last night, March 25th, after a long and valiant fight with complications due to Cystic Fibrosis. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her parents, Debbie Orban Kelly and Dave Kelly, family, friends, and all of those in the industry who have been inspired by Lauren’s life.
In her last gift of selflessness and generosity, Lauren was an organ donor. We are confident her memory will live on in the way she taught us all how to live life to the fullest and never take anything for granted.
March 4th, 2015- Prayers For Lauren
By: Brittany Bevis
For all the evils often associated with social media, it can also be a powerful catalyst and a method for like-minded people to join a cause, spread an idea, promote change, or gather to support a loved one in need. Friends of APHA exhibitor Lauren Michelle Kelly are using this outlet to organize a massive prayer group on behalf of the young lady who has inspired so many with her story of survival, optimism, and perseverance in the face of health challenges.
For those who know Lauren personally, it wouldn’t be correct to say she suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. Instead, she has made the decision to live each and every day to the fullest, a motto that’s perfectly reflected in the registered name of one of her Paint Horses, You Only Live Once, aka “Goose.”
However, due to recent health complications, Lauren has been moved to the emergency level on a transplant list for a set of new lungs and is currently hospitalized. We had the chance to speak with two of her friends, Carri Wilborn and Karen Bree, who wanted to share their thoughts about how Lauren has affected the way they choose to live their own lives every day.
Lauren with her dog Cyan.
“Lauren is an amazing individual, in so many ways,” Wilborn says. “Lauren has Cystic Fibrosis, and she is fighting for her life right now. She has been moved to a high level on the transplant list for new lungs, but everything else has to go right, and they must be compatible too. Lauren fought hard all last year to stay strong and healthy to finish her Dental Hygiene degree. She succeeded, but not without struggle and many hospital visits and stays. This last complication has put her in critical condition.”
In addition to being an APHA competitor, Lauren is also the owner of LMK Design, a graphic design company specializing in print, logo, promotional material, and video creation for members of the horse industry.
“In the time I’ve known Lauren, she has proved to be nothing less than determined,” Wilborn says. “She always has a smile on her face; she is always encouraging others, and she is always determined to be the best she can be. Even when she was too weak or unable to show, you could often find her along the rail helping her friends and giving them a word of encouragement.”
“Over the last couple years, I can remember Lauren not being unable to show as much, due to being weak. Trainer John Kayser showed her horses in open classes, but Lauren was always there to support him. I worked with her through [my photography] business and became friends with her quickly. She is an inspiration to never give up, despite how hard it is. She needs us!”
It is for these reasons that Wilborn has organized a Facebook event that will take place today, March 4th at 7:00 pm CST. Prayers For Lauren is simply a request for her friends and colleagues in the horse industry to stop for one moment, wherever they might be, and pray for Lauren’s healing, health, and hope.
“There is no location on this,” Wilborn says. “Just [please pray] from wherever you are at 7 pm CST today. So if you are in church, at the store, in class, or driving (please don’t close your eyes or bow your head), please say a prayer and also please give thanks.”
Close friend and fellow competitor, Karen Bree, feels honored and blessed that Lauren has described her in the past as “my second mother.” Along with Lauren’s parents, extended family, and friends, Bree will be one of the 312 people who will be praying for Lauren tonight.
“Lauren is such a special person,” Bree says. “I have long admired her and her determination to not let her health issues control her life. Best of all, she is a true friend and inspiration. I am blessed that she considers me a ‘second mom.’ Lauren is such an incredible, intelligent, caring individual who doesn’t realize the impact she has on others.”
“Knowing Lauren and what she goes through to breathe and get through each day is an inspiration to me and others. Seeing her struggles and determination to excel bring out those same feelings in me to achieve my own goals and be a strong, caring person like Lauren. We all love Lauren and are praying for her.”
The Equine Chronicle would like to send our prayers of support to both Lauren and her family during this difficult time.
