Just a few weeks ago, Colleen Lawler, a former public defender at the Southwest Justice Center and mother to four year-old Sophie Lawler-Ehr, received some news that would devastate any parent.
Shortly after Sophie complained of a pain in her chest, it was discovered that a malignant tumor was lodged just above her lungs. (Courtesy photo)
Shortly after Sophie complained of a pain in her chest, it was discovered that a malignant tumor was lodged just above her lungs.
“Apparently they cannot at this point determine what type of tumor Sophie has,” said deputy public defender Erin Kirkpatrick, a close friend of Lawler’s. “They think the tumor can be either Ewings’ Sarcoma or Small Cell Lymphoma… Both are equally bad and both are extremely aggressive.”
Sophie’s family is preparing to wage war against the cancer, Kirkpatrick said, with plans in the works for a benefit concert and a website dedicated to raising funds for the battle that looms ahead.
“Colleen was always told that she couldn’t get pregnant. So having Sophie was a miracle,” said Kirkpatrick. ” This has completely devastated Colleen.”
Lawler, who lives in Oceanside, has worked as a defense attorney in Temecula for nearly eight years. She recently quit her job to focus on helping Sophie in her fight.
“Information is coming in quickly. The family is deciding on chemo, and waiting for a report that will determine how aggressive they will have to be with the treatment,” Kirkpatrick said.
To learn more or to donate to Sophie’s fund, click here.
Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.
Loading ...
PLease help Sophie and her family. Any little bit can help. Colleen had to quit her job and the father owns his own computer business and doesn’t make any money if he doesn’t work. A little girl shouldn’t have to go through what she is.
Please contact us, we would like to help. I have a group of energy healing masters, skilled in the Chinese healing Ats of Chi Kung (Qi-Gong) and the Japanes healing art of Reiki. I offer these treatments free of charge. They we help along with the medical treatment she will need. I send prayers. Sifu Ford (951)791-0680
Dear Loved Ones,
We are saddened to hear about Sophie, but are equally assured and confident that she will be healed. Colleeen is a very dear friend of our family, not only was she present @ our wedding in 1995, she is also an awesome and endearing client of ours. We will do whatever needs to be done to assist her and Sophie in this “battle” to be well again…it will happen. It is my intent to e-mail all our family and friends accross the miles withi this very same message and video for donations. Also, my youngest son’s Travel Baseball Team will be notifed by me and I will be submitting a letter/article on Sophie and Colleen’s behalf to our President of TYB (Temecula Youth Baseball) to ensure this is on their website. I am the Writing Correspondent submitting articles to inform our team of what’s goin’ on with TYB…I see NO reason why I can’t ask for participation for this cause. Each October and May, TYB supports a Cancer Awareness Month (particularly Breast Cancer), BUT this evokes even more when cancer has ravaged a baby’s life and the lives of each family member.
Be Encouraged…We’re Available and will certainly do our part!
Lovingly & Prayerfully Submitted,
Tori W. McCollum