Submitted by Bruce Allen, Guest writer
In the course of our frantic daily schedules, we often forget that a single mis-step can alter the course of an entire life. In October of 2020, this literally came true for Lauren Shmalo Berg, wife, mother of a two-year-old and a 3-month-old baby, actor and preschool teacher. Lauren’s mis-step unfortunately led to a horrific fall and a C-3 spinal cord injury that left her unable to move from the shoulders down.
As a result, Lauren underwent major surgery and a chartered medical plane ride to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta where she underwent a second major surgery and spent three- and one-half months in rehabilitation.
Thanks to her strength and determination as well as excellent medical care and the financial and emotional support of friends, family and the community, Lauren was able to go home, undergo therapy and make significant progress towards recovery — all while her husband, Justin, was starting a new business — Lia’s Landscaping and they were trying to parent an infant (Isaac) and a toddler (Lia).
But on Halloween in 2023 Lauren began to feel ill and was rushed to the hospital and this life-threatening series of events that followed caused everything to come to a halt. Since then, Lauren has endured endless hospital stays and major surgeries and invasive procedures too numerous to count. Justin was trying to balance spending time with Lauren, parenting Lia (now 5) and Isaac (now 2) and continue to maintain his business. But thanks again to the tireless help from grandparents, relatives and friends the Berg family made it through and Lauren is gaining strength and is now at home once again ready to work her way back to and beyond where she was prior to this major setback.
Unfortunately, Lauren presently needs round-the-clock nursing care and vast amounts of in-home equipment and while Lia and Isaac are now in second grade and kindergarten — there is also a need for childcare. Although the family’s spirits remain high, this unexpected detour has exhausted the family emotionally and financially. In an effort to ease the burden, Lauren and her family and those who supported her will be joined by two new participants — a Dream Girl and a Jersey Boy.
On Wednesday, October 15, Tony and Emmy award winner, Jennifer Holiday (the original Effie in “Dream Girls”) and Daniel Reichard (the original Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys”), in conjunction with Help-Hope-Live, will present “One Night Only” a benefit concert for Lauren and family, at Memorial Hall. The event is open to the public.
