LAUREN SHMALO BERG…”strong at the broken places”
Lauren Shmalo Berg, an active, vibrant mother of 2, suffered a severe C3 spinal cord injury October 2020 that left her paralyzed from the neck down. After CPR, weeks in the ICU, multiple surgeries and 3 1/2 months at the Shepherd Institute in Atlanta, Lauren is finally returning home to her husband, Justin, her 6 month old son, Isaac, and her 2 1/2 year old daughter, Lia, and her family and friends. Since, Oct. 4th, due to the Covid pandemic, Lauren has only been able to be with her husband, Justin.
Prior to the accident, Lauren was an accomplished singer and dancer in musical theatre productions, a figure skater who choreographed ice shows, taught Pilates and Zumbini, and was a pre K teacher. Lauren was the ultimate cheerleader to her friends and her students. There are people from all walks of life that will tell you that Lauren never met a stranger. Anyone who ever met her remembers her, but it wasn’t always about what she said or did, but about how she made them feel. One thing is certain, Lauren has been and will continue to be a motivating inspiration to others.
Lauren continues to face her recovery the same way she’s has faced everything else in her life: with a big smile, fierce determination, and unwavering optimism. She is feeling sensations all throughout her body and has regained some movement in her limbs. Back at home in Cincinnati, her husband, her family and her friends have helped non-stop with childcare, oversaw the reconfiguration of her home with handicap accessible updates throughout. Doctors, nurses, therapists and aides have been hired to assist this young family. Much of what has been done in preparation for her return and continued recovery is considered uninsured medical expense.
Now she needs our help. All this comes at an exorbitant price as Lauren’s journey to recovery continues. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Help Hope Live in honor of Lauren Berg, to help alleviate the extreme financial burden and stress her injury and recovery has had on her family. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law and are held for Lauren’s uninsured medical and injury related expenses.
Helphopelive.org is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit with a perfect rating by Charity Navigator. Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility. HHL has been around for nearly 40 years financially assisting patients, through fundraising, with uninsured medical and injury related expenses from organ transplants, catastrophic illness, brain and spinal cord injuries.
To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
Checks can be mailed to Help Hope Live with In honor of Lauren Berg in the Memo to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road, Radnor, PA 19087
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
Updates (25)
July 6, 2023
Lauren’s first family vacation since returning 2.5 years ago from Shepherd Center!
October 23, 2022
After avoiding the place she was injured for over two years, Lauren returned to confront those fears and emotions.
October 5, 2022
2 Years since the injury — Lauren is much stronger in every way. Still a lot of work to do, but she is ready!
July 20, 2022
Steady progress with Lauren’s legs as she begins to do part of the work with the assisted walking. A new development with her mobile arm support - she’s able to paint and for the first time since the injury, she fed herself!
May 22, 2022
Lauren now has movement in both hands and both feet. The left hand was the last to wake up—but better late than never!
Thank you for your love and support!
March 1, 2022
Lauren’s progress after one year out of the hospital is encouraging…
December 7, 2021
Lauren has enjoyed several breakthroughs in the past couple months.
October 11, 2021
Here is a progress update for Lauren - in particular her right hand - from Oct 2020 to Oct 2021. Long way to go but headed in the “right” direction!
September 7, 2021
Nearly 7 months after Lauren returned home from Shepherd Center, she was fitted for her custom wheelchair. As frustrating as it was to wait that long, the chair is worth the wait. October 4 marks one year since the injury. Last week her OT noticed that her right bicep started working, which is a big development because as she gains strength, that can help her feed herself. Thanks for the donations, love and support!
August 1, 2021
Big week! With the help of Premier Physical Therapy, Lauren walked on a treadmill.
July 15, 2021
Big Breakthrough!
June 30, 2021
Mid-June update: Progress!
May 31, 2021
Memorial Day Weekend update
May 11, 2021
Big Day! Lauren drove her power wheelchair by hand!
May 10, 2021
7 months into Lauren’s recovery
April 21, 2021
April 4, 2021
Here is Lauren at the 6-month mark
March 7, 2021
After one month back home, Lauren is starting to feel like herself again...
February 22, 2021
Lauren wanted to tell you about her first full week back home...
February 14, 2021
February 13, 2021
After 130 days (105 at Shepherd Center) away from her children, Lauren returned home on Thursday February 11th!
February 10, 2021
Lauren graduated from Shepherd Center after 103 days of in-patient therapy! Next stop: Amberley Village, Cincinnati, Ohio!
February 3, 2021
Lauren will be leaving Shepherd Center and returning home to Cincinnati in one week!
January 22, 2021
Lauren is scheduled to be discharged from Shepherd Center in Atlanta on February 10. She is much, much stronger (physically and mentally) than when she arrived back on October 29.
January 9, 2021
Photo Galleries (5)
Loading Images
Guestbook
December 18, 2023
You are strong and don’t give up!
Mary Lee and Louie Sirkin
Mary Lee and Louie Sirkin
November 28, 2023
Sending love and get well wishes to Lauren
xoxo Aunt Susan
Susan Shmalo
March 20, 2023
In honor of Albert Shmalo
and Lauren Shmalo Berg
Happy 80 th birthday Albert
love xoxo Susan and Gene
Susan Shmalo
March 19, 2023
In Honor of Uncle Albert's 80th Birthday! xoxo
Julie & Paul Datnow
February 9, 2023
In memory of Emily Chaiken, mother of Janet Berg
Caryn and Denny Baum
January 13, 2023
Please accept this donation in memory of your Mother, Emily Hannah Chaikin. May her memory be a blessing for your entire family.
Love,
Aunt Ann Torf and Her Children (Cheryl, Howard, Mark, Gary and Andrea)
Andrea Torf
January 9, 2023
In loving memory of Emily Chaikin, we are making this heartfelt contribution in honor of Lauren Shmalo Berg.
Our love and thoughts are always with you, Lauren.
Sherry and Dave Mortemore
Sherry and Dave Mortemore
December 10, 2022
Lauren,
I continue to root you on. I was so happy to see you “scooting” around at Walgreens the other day. Keep it up! You are inspiring.
Love,
Mary Lee
Mary Lee Sirkin
November 27, 2022
Best wishes in honor of the wedding of Johnny and Linda.
David Alex
September 28, 2022
Happy to support Lauren's journey in honor of Johnnie Berg and Linda Mallory's wedding.
Stephany Sloneker
September 28, 2022
Congratulations on your marriage!
BJ and Arthur Foreman
May 25, 2022
Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight!
Jordanna Dworkin
April 7, 2022
Lauren,
Mazal tov on being the honoree for Campus Superstar 2022! You are strong, brave and inspirational.
Sending love from the Bachrach Family (Marcie, Nathan, Arielle, Liora and Micah)
Marcie Bachrach
April 5, 2022
Honoring courage and love!
Lori Lobsiger and Kim Mann
April 5, 2022
Dear Lauren,
We've met once in different times, in Carnegie Hall - the family reunion organized by Rob. What I remember...is this famous family smile on your and every family member's face. You still have it!
My admiration for your incredible fight, power and believe for happy ending.
Happy Birthday!!!!
Ewa
Ewa Manuszak
April 5, 2022
So proud of Lauren. Keep up the hard work. You are a rockstar.
Daniel Shmalo
April 3, 2022
We love you Lauren!
Lori Lobsiger and Kim
March 23, 2022
Wishing you all the very best
Sharon Jedel
March 3, 2022
Keep up the great work Lauren!
Lesley Taylor
December 28, 2021
Lauren and family
Your updates are a powerful message of hope, courage, and love.
Thank you
Liz Bradshaw Garrett
WHHS ‘67
Elizabeth Garrett
September 26, 2021
We are all thinking of you, The Reed Family
Barbara and Michael Reed
September 22, 2021
The Herman family wishes you lots of strength on your road to recovery. You have been an inspiration to us! Keep fighting!
Valerie Heman
September 8, 2021
Lauren,
We are thinking of you and are wishing you all the best for a very healthy, happy New Year!
XO,
Alexis, Michael, Anna and Zoe Wintrob
Alexis Wintrob
August 3, 2021
Lauren,
Your journey to recovery has been so inspiring to witness on Facebook. Your positivity and optimism has always brought light to the world and I admire your incredible strength. I am praying for your recovery. Many blessings to you and your family.
You’ve got this Girl!!!
You’re fellow skating sister,
Katie (Carter) Snow
Katherine Snow
July 16, 2021
Happy Anniversary! Keep up the good work. The Reeds love you!
Barbara Reed
July 16, 2021
I’m honor of Lauren and Justin with love.
JUDITH DARSKY
July 10, 2021
Your Wise Temple congregation supports you!
Anonymous
July 2, 2021
Lauren,
We are so excited to see your progress! Thanks for sharing your ride as your operate your motor vehicle! Thinking of you often! Love, Marcy,Mark, Sammy and Annie
Marcy Kanter
July 1, 2021
We're thinking of you Lauren and sending you our love and best wishes for your continued recovery!!
Jeanne and Michael
Jeanne and Michael Schmerler
July 1, 2021
So proud of you, Lauren! (And you too, Justin!) You both are an inspiration. You got this! Sending all our love! Love, Sasha, Josie, Rachel and Rob
Rachel Callif
June 30, 2021
We wish you continued progress and so admire your spirit!
Susan & Kenny Newmark
June 30, 2021
You are an inspiration and we wish you and your beautiful family beautiful days ahead!
Brooke Carlisi
June 30, 2021
Sending lots of love and prayers for healing! Robert and Marcy Klein
Marcy Klein
June 30, 2021
Wishing you a Refuah Shelma, continued healing. You are being thought of and prayed for.
Heather Tanner
June 29, 2021
The progress you’ve made so far is so incredible and we are sending good vibes, hugs and all that good juju.
Love, Katie Deutsch and family
Katie Deutsch
June 29, 2021
Lauren! I always remember you being a beautiful human who is compassionate and strong. I remember your love for dance and am here to remind you that your community expands far and we are here to lift you up. With love, Miriam and the Hodesh family
Miriam Hodesh
June 29, 2021
Sending lots of love and positive vibes!
Jacob and Jenna Morvay
June 29, 2021
You are an inspiration to your family and community.
Kim Toole
June 29, 2021
In memory of Stanley Chaikin
Barbi & Greg Sherman
Barbara Sherman
June 11, 2021
We love you, Lauren!
Tamara Heldman
June 6, 2021
Lauren, thinking of you! Love, Joel and Casey
Casey Dlott
June 3, 2021
In honor of Lauren Berg. May you go from strength to greater strength.
In memory of Stanley Chaikin. May his memory be for a blessing.
Amy Elfenbaum
May 26, 2021
Donating in honor of Lauren is a beautiful tribute to the memory of Stan Chaikin. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all of Stan's family. We are sending our love and support to Lauren and her wonderful family. Lauren, your courage, determination, and steadfast spirit are so inspiring. You are in our thoughts and we're cheering you on as you continue to recover. We love you. -Sherry & Dave Mortemore
Sherry & David Mortemore
May 25, 2021
In loving memory of your father,grandfather and great grandfather
Susan Winters
May 21, 2021
Godspeed! May all your dreams continue ❤️
Sidney Cohen, M.D.
May 20, 2021
Read your story in the Israelite. Wishing for continued healing
David Cohen
May 14, 2021
Thank you for sharing your story in The American Israelite.
Shoshana and Steven Cahn
May 13, 2021
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Jennifer Pilder
May 13, 2021
just a small donation to encourage your continued recovery. you are amazing!
Mindy Liebert
May 12, 2021
I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lorie Kleiner Eckert
May 11, 2021
Thinking of you and wishing you the best possible outcome. Sending love, hope and healing thoughts.
Angie and Steve Zawatsky
May 11, 2021
Praying for you!
Anonymous
May 3, 2021
Praying for and with you my friend.
Tomica L. Carter
April 24, 2021
Lzruen, So glad to see you recovering. Thousands of people are routing for you.
Shepard Englander
April 21, 2021
Beautiful, beautiful update on this snowy April day!
Sending love,
Jen Smilg
April 13, 2021
Stay strong, Lauren! You can do this.
Nona Waldeck
April 13, 2021
Sending love and prayers for a full recovery for dear Lauren.
Love,
Cousin Joan
Joan Rosenberg
April 10, 2021
Lauren, Justin and fam,
You all continue to be in our prayers. Lauren, you are incredible!! We are proud to know you. We are rooting for you as you continue to recover! As you once said, “Climb Every Mountain!”
Love,
Natalie and Matt Cohen
Natalie & Matt Cohen
April 8, 2021
Lauren! Sending wishes and love for a fabulous recovery to a special person! Love The Winkler Family
Lewis Winkler
April 1, 2021
Lauren, Justin, Lia, and Isaac,
We love you and wish you peace, comfort, and strength everyday. Sending huge hugs to you all.
Love,
Dani, Matt, Vada, and Shai
Danielle Reiss
April 1, 2021
Lauren, I am sending love and healing vibes to you and your family. You will be in my prayers.
Looks like you have been making incredible progress, Mazel
Tov!!
I’m sorry to only reach out now, lesson learned to check FB more than once in a blue moon.
With love, Elana Kogan
Elana Kogan
March 31, 2021
Dear sweet Lauren, Happy Birthday! I learned about your accident this morning when I saw your birthday wish post on Facebook. Mitch & I want to wish you the best on your road to recovery. Enjoy your beautiful family. xoxo
Jill Kider
March 30, 2021
Happy Birthday, Lauren! Wishing you a year of happiness and love!
Danielle Levine
March 30, 2021
Lauren a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. Wishing you a year of strength, love and happiness. Beth Shuller
Beth Shuller
March 30, 2021
Happy birthday, Lauren! Wishing for ALL of your beautiful birthday wishes to come true. Sending lots of love, Breanne
Breanne Heldman
March 30, 2021
Lauren, I only learned of your accident yesterday. I am sending all my love to you, your husband, and two sweet babies. May the force of your shining spirit help you overcome this. With so much love, Aimee
Aimee Stoltz
March 30, 2021
Happy Birthday, Lauren. You are incredible. You bring love and joy to everyone around you. Hugs and kisses to you, friend.
Julia Weinstein
March 26, 2021
Lauren, you are so inspirational. We are cheering for our. Keep fighting and making amazing progress!
Marcy Kanter
March 19, 2021
Lauren,
Thinking of you - hoping you get
stronger & stronger each day!
Fondly, Lynn Callif
Lynn Callif
March 17, 2021
Thinking of you from afar !!
Debbi Franklin Simon
Debbi Simon
March 16, 2021
Your strength & attitude is inspiring. Hope you continue to see improvement each & every day.
Maury & Jan White
March 15, 2021
You got this - sending you all my positive energy.
Gretchen Reisner
March 8, 2021
You have such an amazing attitude. Your positivity will most definitely aid your recovery.
Enjoy those beautiful kids!
Rebbie Frankel
March 2, 2021
Our thoughts are always with you all.
Cheryl Morgenstern
March 1, 2021
Go Lauren!!!
Daniel Hoffheimer
March 1, 2021
Lauren, you are an inspiration!
Thinking of you every day and rooting you on.
Mary Lee Sirkin
February 28, 2021
Lauren, Justin and family - we are always thinking of you and your family....
Marc Blonstein
February 26, 2021
Lauren, Ruth and I continue to admire your strength and perseverance. You are an inspiration to everyone! It is apparent that you are surrounded by a beautiful loving family that will help you in your journey. Justin is the best! Keep up the good fight!
Ruth and Gene Weiss
Gene Weiss
February 26, 2021
Go Lauren! Those little peeps of yours are just so adorable. They have your infectious smile! You and your family are truly amazing. I hope we can see you all, meet your new family and witness your progress in person someday. We are sending tons of hope, optimism, strength and LOVE from California.
Lisa Navarro
February 26, 2021
Dear Lauren, We've never met but I send you love. Your remarkable family and your many friends are with you. Terese
Terese Loeb Kreuzer
February 26, 2021
You got this, Pretty Girl! XOXO
Sending love and continued prayers.....
we will fly high again one day!
Tancy Bench
February 26, 2021
Sending SO MUCH LOVE!!!!
Larissa Kravanja
February 26, 2021
Lauren, you inspire me every single day! Keep on keeping on, Girly Girl! I love you and adore you! XOXO
Deborah DiIorio
February 25, 2021
To Lauren, her family, and her friends, may the unconditional love you hold for one another bring continued courage, bravery, and resilience as you navigate this journey.
Renee Jones
February 25, 2021
What an incredible inspiration!! Keep on going!!
Tom Vince
February 25, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about this, but delighted that Lauren is back home. Your mother Marlene and I lived a few houses away on Knight Avenue, and even though we didn’t stay in touch, I remember out childhood days fondly (and Marlene’s wonderful collection of international dolls!)
Best of luck to you and your family,
Leni Rosenfield Moore
Leni Moore
February 25, 2021
Sending you love and cheering you on!
Jane Bloch
February 25, 2021
Continued thoughts and prayers for a full recovery.
Marc Tessel
Marc Tessel
February 25, 2021
Lauren , you are in our thoughts and prayers.Thinking of you
Sincerely , Judy and Marty Brafman
Judy Brafman
February 25, 2021
We love you Lauren and Justin! Patti, Dave, Paige and Maddy
Patti Levine
February 24, 2021
Wishing Lauren continued recovery and Happy Birthday Natalie.
Love,
Carrie and Ken Goldhoff
Carrie Goldhoff
February 24, 2021
Wishing Lauren and family all the best.
David & Karen Lefton
David Lefton
February 24, 2021
Wishing you continued healing,
Natalie and Scott Wolf
Natalie Wolf
February 24, 2021
Keep up the progress Lauren! We are thinking of you and your family.
Heather Heldman and Amir Neeman
Heather Heldman
February 24, 2021
Best wishes to you and your family, Lauren. Our thoughts will be with you throughout your recovery.
Sending you lots of love and virtual hugs!
Jeanne (Niehaus) Parr
February 24, 2021
Thinking of you, Lauren!
Praying for you and your family and your continued healing.
- Chrissy (Robby’s friend from Walnut, Jeanne’s Niehaus’s sister)
Chrissy Smith
February 24, 2021
Welcome home Lauren! It's so wonderful to see you reunited with your precious babies! We continue to cheer you on and pray for your full recovery, wishing you continued strength and healing and all good wishes for you and your beautiful family - Dawn
Dawn Balopole
February 23, 2021
All our best wishes to Lauren and strength to the whole family, keep your eyes on the prize of full recovery!
Mark Falck
February 22, 2021
Welcome home Lauren! G-d bless you through your recovery.
Wishing you and your family all the best, Wendy (Dawn Balopole's sister)
Wendy Balopole
February 20, 2021
Lauren, you are in our my thoughts and prayers. Your courage is remarkable and humbling. Wishing you and your family brighter days ahead.
Andrew Lenobel
February 16, 2021
So glad you are home and with your family. You and Justin are amazing!
Janice and Alan Appel
janice and alan appel
February 14, 2021
Lauren, I always knew you had grit and determination! You are inspirational! I am sending you hope and love!
Virginia Woessner
February 14, 2021
Wishing you continued healing and recovery.
Karen Levy
February 13, 2021
Lauren-
Congratulations on your return home! I’m beyond happy for you and your family. Your positivity and determination throughout your journey has been so impressive (but not surprising...you were always like this when I knew you in school).
Liz Looney Bevis
February 13, 2021
Sending love and continued strength for the healing ahead!
Diane Devore
February 13, 2021
I love you so much. I’m so proud and grateful to be your friend. You bring so much light and laughter to everyone you come in contact with even with this challenge that has been thrown your way. You have taught me so much about what’s important and who I want to be. Like you. Girl- You got this!!
Cyvia Star
February 13, 2021
For Rob. With love to all. ❤️
Jolie Hunt
February 13, 2021
Mazel Tov on your homecoming Lauren. May you continue from strength to strength as you heal. Love, Penny and Ron
Penny and Ron Friedman and Meyer
February 13, 2021
Dear Lauren and your amazing family,
The grace with which you have handled these incredibly difficult circumstances is truly inspirational. I am amazed by you, Lauren, and wish you the very best.
Sincerely,
Evan Joiner
Evan Joiner
February 13, 2021
Hi Lauren - we’ve never met but I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Cyvia through work the last year or so and she has shared quite a few stories of y’all. So happy you’re home and wishing you a smooth recovery :) Mary
Mary Lucas
February 13, 2021
Lauren,
We are so proud of all that you have accomplished.
Welcome Home!
Gwen & John Heilbrun
Gwen Heilbrun
February 13, 2021
Thinking of you and your beautiful family! When we worked out together, you were searching for that special guy . Wow! You found him ! Xoxo
Debbie Kleinbord
February 12, 2021
Wonderful family, hope and happiness for you all. Susi
Susi Chapman Zeisler
February 12, 2021
You are an inspiration and I am SO incredibly thankful to have you in my life. Love you! Sisa
Susan-Lisa Gvinter
February 12, 2021
Sending love to Lauren and Justin, Lia and Isaac !
Wishing you strength and good health
Love always, Aunt Susan
Susan Shmalo
February 12, 2021
In honor of Lauren and her wonderful family
Adrianne Freiberg
February 12, 2021
Proud member of Team Lauren!
Robert Shmalo
February 10, 2021
Lauren, The Bachrachs are sending you love and strength today and always. SO excited that you are coming home! You\'ve got this girl!!
XO, Marcie, Nathan, Arielle, Liora and Micah Bachrach
February 10, 2021
Lauren, this is your fight song
Take back your life song
Prove you’re alright song
Your power’s turned on
Starting right now, you’ll be strong
And you don’t car if nobody else believes
Cause you’ve got a lot of flight left in you!!
Austine Heldman
January 26, 2021
We send our love and support to you each and every day.
Judy Oxman
January 24, 2021
We are sending our hopes and prayers to Lauren and the entire family, for encouraging times ahead. Lauren and her family are an inspiration to us. Linda and Gary Greenberg
Linda Greenberg
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Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Lauren Shmalo Berg
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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