After a brave fight with Cystic Fybrosis Laura Michelle Kelly passed away March 25, 2015. 

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. An inherited condition, cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.

Kelly had been battling the disease for a year and a half and at 8pm her brother, Jared Brooks, posted this to his Facebook page. 

“Lauren is nearing the end of her fight with Cystic Fybrosis. Her platelets have dropped to levels incompatatable with life. Lauren told family and physicians she is tired of fighting. She will be sedated and then the vent and echmo will be dialed back. We are all at her bedside and will be here when she passes.”

Kelly was an avid APHA competitor and the owner and operator of LMK Designs in Brighton, Illinois.