LAUREN ELISE HOFFMAN, age 29, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2020 with her family by her side after being diagnosed with adenosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, almost six years ago.

She was born on June 14, 1991 in Winfield, IL to Larry and Debbie Hoffman and washed clean through Holy Baptism on July 28, 1991.  She spent her early years at St. John Lutheran in Wheaton, IL where she attended preschool through 8 ^th grade.  She then went on to Wheaton North High School where she excelled both in the classroom and in athletics, especially basketball and track & field.  Lauren received All-Conference awards several times for her academic and athletic achievements.

Lauren then attended Purdue University to pursue a degree in dietetics and nutrition. After two years at Purdue, Lauren transferred to Augustana College where she received her degree in Biology.  Lauren was a member of the Augie women's basketball team for one year and then joined the women's track team, focusing on the heptathlon in addition to hurdles and high jump.  She was awarded all-conference honors for her efforts in 2016.  Track participation connected her to friends that she has cherished for many years.

At Augie, Lauren was able to clearly see that her passion was related to a combination of artistic and engineering endeavors.   This vision led her to attend Northwestern University where she received her Master's Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from the Feinberg School of Medicine.  Lauren excelled at Northwestern and enjoyed her two years of living in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood next to Navy Pier.

Lauren's success at Northwestern allowed her to participate in her first residency program in Iowa City, IA where she was focused on patients with orthotics needs at the University of Iowa Medical Center.  She also enjoyed living in Iowa City with a dear friend and former track teammate at Augustana.

Having worked hard to achieve her Orthotics Certification, Lauren moved to Cleveland, OH for her prosthetics residency at Hanger Clinic.   Lauren truly loved her time in Cleveland where she was mentored by a leading prosthetist.  She also made many friends at Redeemer Lutheran where she coached a youth basketball team and played flute for Sunday Services.

Due to an aggressive return of her cancer, Lauren moved from Cleveland back to Chicagoland.  Hanger allowed Lauren to transfer to the Burr Ridge Hanger Clinic where she deeply appreciated the professionals she worked beside and the flexibility she was afforded in order to continue her treatments.  Many friends in Iowa, Cleveland, Chicago and throughout Hanger have supported Lauren throughout her cancer journey.

In January of 2020, Lauren received her certification as a CPO, Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist; an outstanding accomplishment given that much of the time was spent at the Cancer Center receiving treatment.   In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lauren was active in the young adult cancer community.  She attended CancerCon 2018 in Denver and was presented with an award for her efforts in bringing awareness to the young adult cancer community and the leading fundraiser.  The following year she received the Ambassador Award at the Stupid Cancer Annual gathering in New York City.

Lauren accomplished a lot in her lifetime due to her ability to focus on the important tasks and her willingness to work hard.  She will be remember for her infectious smile and positive attitude that was evident to anyone that knew her.   She also enjoyed painting, constructing/destructing things and also started her own brand of lip balm called Lou Balm.  She provided complementary Lou Balm to the many nurses and doctors who assisted with her care.  She later launched a Lou Balm web site where all profits are given to young adult cancer organizations.

Lauren will be greatly missed and is survived by her parents Larry and Debbie Hoffman and two brothers, Ryan Hoffman (Kirstin) and Sam Hoffman (Hope) and her God-daughter and niece, Laney.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, a private service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, IL at 10:00 A.M. on June 22, 2020.  A private burial at Wheaton Cemetery will follow.

Friends may participate in a zoom livestream at 10:00 am on Monday at 10:00 am.

In addition, St John will also live stream digital audio (just audio) of the service at:

https://www.stjohnwheaton.org/streaming

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. John Lutheran Church ( www.stjohnwheaton.org ), Wellness House in Hinsdale, IL ( www.wellnesshouse.org ) or Stupid Cancer ( www.stupidcancer.org ).

Lauren's confirmation verse was 2 John 1:6 - "And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it."