Lauren Debrauwere Released from Northwestern Memoria...( Family and Physicians Offer State...),Health

Family and Physicians Offer Statements Regarding her Care and Recovery

CHICAGO, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was provided by the family of Lauren Debrauwere, one of several students injured in the February 14 shooting tragedy at Northern Illinois University. Statements from her treating physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as well as Kishwaukee Community Hospital are also included.

Lauren's sister Brittany, mother Mary and step-father Steve, addressed media via a press conference held at Northwestern Memorial earlier today along with Patrick McCarthy, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, prior to Lauren's release from the hospital this afternoon.

Statement from Brittany Debrauwere (sister to Lauren Debrauwere):

"My name is Brittany and I am Lauren Debrauwere's sister. On behalf of Lauren and our family, we want you all to know that we are deeply moved by the outpouring of support that Lauren received following this horrifying and unspeakable event that occurred 12 days ago, at Northern Illinois University, a campus that both my sister and myself have considered our home for the past few years. We can tell you that Lauren is well and she is expected to recover.

"Lauren's recovery has been very difficult and at times, unbearable for her both mentally and physically. She has a tough road ahead of her, but we are humbled and very grateful that we have her with us today, as our hearts are heavy and our prayers go out to the five families who lost their loved ones.

"Lauren and the rest of my family want to extend our gratitude to those who have helped us along the way, as we appreciate the continuous support we have received.

"We thank God for Doctor Stephen Goldman, the Kishwaukee Community Hospital trauma surgeon who saved Lauren's life by providing the initial surgery that stab
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