Lauren Rae - What’s It’s Like to Stare Mortality in the Face

Every so often, we stumble onto an episode that smacks us in the face. Perspective shifters.

In 2022 it was Daniel Kereopa, in 2023 it was Josh Komen and Abbas Nazari, and this year it's Lauren Rae.

We don't say this lightly, but this is one of the most powerful eps we've done.

Lauren is one of our Low Key Legends, who's currently in the fight of her life against melanoma.

After going to the Commonwealth Games as a weightlifter, Lauren was given a terminal cancer diagnoses for a rare non-sun related melanoma which contained a gene called BRAF v600e.

Despite having the melanoma surgically removed Lauren was told the cancer cells had spread to her lymph nodes, and that should she decide to join the clinical trial at Auckland Hospital, the doctors didn't think it would be of any use.

Staring mortality in the face, Lauren questioned her diagnosis. She chose to fight, seeking second and third opinions that eventually opened the door to hope and led her family to going all in on Australia.

Within a week of speaking to her Brisbane Oncologist, Lauren's family sold their car, took leave without pay and told their three and five year old, they were off on holiday.

The powerful part is what happened next, Lauren's outlook and approach to life, the wisdom she's accrued and the spirit she's bringing to this fight.

This is an ep you won't forget. Lauren is an exceptional storyteller and her journey will change the way you approach life.

Biggest Surprise: Don’t wait for trauma to make a change. Lauren talked about how much a marriage counsellor has helped her relationship with her husband - and wishes she'd got help sooner.

Best Insight: You might be shocked at some of the differences between the health system in New Zealand and Australia.

Best Laugh: Despite the heavy themes Seamus managed to lighten the mood with his knowledge of female anatomy and his former internet search history.

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