Love’s Travel Stops’ long-running round up for miracles is fueling hope in our hospital

At Love’s Travel Stops, this holiday season is not just about filling up your tank, but also filling hearts of pediatric patients.

Donations collected from Love’s year-long round up campaign benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which helps local member hospitals, including UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, provide services like child life, pet therapy, outdoor gardens and more to help kids cope under stressful situations.

Patients like Lauren Price benefit from the critical funds raised by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

At 8-years-old, Lauren was treated at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital for osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. She spent nine months in the children’s hospital, undergoing intense and invasive chemotherapy treatments. Amidst being declared cancer-free in 2014, Lauren has had to learn how to walk with a prosthetic leg and endures the side effects of her chemotherapy, which include hearing loss and gastroparesis.

As a Tallahassee native, the countless two hour drives to receive high-quality treatment at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital were often dull and mindless. It was only once her family saw the bright yellow sign with a big red heart at the Love’s Travel Stops in Lake City that she realized how close they were to Gainesville.

Little did she know employees inside were making miracles happen for patients like her.

Ten years later, Lauren is now a vibrant and healthy 18-year-old whose sweet smile and vibrant personality serve as a stark contrast to the medical challenges she has faced. Lauren is currently a freshman at the University of Florida and devotes her time toward helping children in the hospital and advocating for organizations such as Children’s Miracle Network.

As she drives northbound to visit family for birthdays and holidays, the memories of traveling to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital as a little girl those many years ago rush back. Love’s and its bright yellow sign with hearts truly gave Lauren brightness and a sign of hope during gray, challenging times.

Thanks to you and Love’s locations across the state of Florida for helping change kids’ health to change the future at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.