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Lauren shares her story of self-isolation with Vogue

When Lauren was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 23, she faced the harsh reality of extreme isolation. As co-founder of By Sarah, she recently shared her experience in an insightful article with Vogue. In it, Lauren discussed how isolation impacted her during her leukaemia treatment and the coping mechanisms she developed to navigate this challenging time.

The reality of isolation

Lauren's diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) required immediate and aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. This treatment necessitated extreme protective isolation in a small hospital room. Lauren described the initial shock of transitioning from a healthy law student to a patient in constant isolation, where even family visits required full protective gear, leaving her feeling "utterly powerless".

Establishing routine and control

One of the key coping strategies Lauren developed was creating a daily routine. Even in isolation, she made it a point to shower and change into fresh clothes every day. This small act of normalcy provided a sense of control in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. Lauren also kept a fitness routine when she could, with a manual cross trainer and yoga mat in her hospital room, re-establishing a connection with her body despite the challenging circumstances.

Creating a healing environment

Lauren's family played a crucial role in helping her cope. They decorated her hospital room with get-well-soon cards, colourful blankets, and posters of New York and the Caribbean. These visual reminders of life outside the hospital served as beacons of hope for Lauren, keeping her focused on the future and the experiences she wanted to have once her treatment was over.

The power of journaling

To make sense of her experience, Lauren started a diary. Documenting her journey provided a therapeutic outlet and helped her process the emotional and physical challenges she faced. Seeing the word count increase and the pages build up gave her a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

The healing touch of family

Lauren's treatment included multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant from her sister, Sarah. Although the transplant was successful, it led to a condition called graft versus host disease (GvHD), causing painful rashes and skin shedding. When Lauren finally left the hospital after nine months, she was physically weakened and had to continue self-isolation at home. Gradually, she regained her strength, finding immense joy in simple pleasures like walking in the park and feeling the breeze on her face.

Upon returning home, Lauren could finally reconnect with her loved ones. Sarah's gentle facials and massages helped soothe Lauren's skin and provided much-needed comfort. These acts of care and the use of specially blended natural oils played a significant role in Lauren's recovery.

The foundation of By Sarah

Sarah started creating skincare products during Lauren's recovery. These products, designed to soothe and heal her sensitive skin, laid the foundation for By Sarah. In fact, the now cult-favourite Hero Facial Oil was the first product Lauren could ever tolerate on her cancer-ravaged skin.

Lauren's journey through leukaemia treatment and extreme isolation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her story, as shared in Vogue, highlights the importance of routine, family support, and finding joy in small moments. Through her experience, Lauren has not only found strength but also a purpose, co-founding By Sarah to help others on their own paths to recovery.

For more on Lauren's story, read the full Vogue article. Explore the full By Sarah collection, designed to soothe and protect sensitive skin.

By Sarah