A Londonderry High School graduate studying abroad was severely injured in a bicycling accident during a trip to Spain and is currently fighting for her life.
Lauren Rauseo, a junior at Stonehill College, is studying in France this semester when she took a trip to Spain with friends, where on March 17, she was involved in what was described as a “horrific” bicycle accident coming down an extremely steep hill. Trying to avoid a vehicle, she crashed into a wall and she is now in a medically induced coma.
Rauseo is currently undergoing treatment in a Spanish hospital for the injuries she sustained on the Island of Mallorca according to reports. Her injuries include traumatic brain injury, broken clavicle, broken hip, and a punctured lung.
A gofundme fundraiser has been organized by Helen DeCosta to help with medical costs and to try and transport Rauseo back to a U.S. hospital.
As of Tuesday morning, March 22, the site had raised $192,797 of the $250,000 goal.
According to the page, “Lauren has sustained severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury along with numerous fractures, necessitating multiple surgeries and intensive care. Currently, she is in a medically induced coma, a step taken by her medial team with the hope of stabilizing her condition enough to bring her back to the United States. The goal is to transfer her to a specialized pediatric ICU trauma unit in Boston, where she can receive the best possible care and embark on the long road to recovery.”
The site also stated, “The costs associated with Lauren’s medical care, including the necessary
medi-flight back to the U.S., are staggering. In this hour of dire need, we turn to you, our community, friends and kind-hearted strangers, to help alleviate the financial burden on Lauren’s family. By contributing to this fund, you are offering more than financial support, you are giving hope, love and the invaluable peace of mind that comes from knowing we are not alone in our fight to bring Lauren home.”
Anyone wishing to contribute can do through the “Bring Lauren Home – Fund for Med-Flight and Recovery” gofundme.com page.