Making Space to Care for Yourself

Lauren Lastauskas is a cervical cancer survivor and the Vice President of Community for Gryt Health. In this role, she focuses on improving the quality of life and treatment of cancer survivors through human centered programs, conversations, and resources that help the community feel empowered to find and use their voice in education, connections, and advocacy.

Lauren lives in Oklahoma and received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Coastal Carolina University, magna cum laude. She has a clinical healthcare background and quickly became more passionate about patient advocacy after being diagnosed with cancer at 23. She volunteers with various organizations and frequently shares her cervical cancer story with medical professionals, schools, industry and the community.  

Lauren enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, volunteering at the humane society, being outdoors, and traveling.

Ph.D. (Special Education) from Kent State University

Ed. (Rehabilitation Counseling) from Kent State University

B.S. (Psychology) from John Carroll University

Former Professor at Cleveland State University

Former Adjunct Professor at Kent State University

Certifications:

Yoga 4 Cancer Teacher (50 Hrs)

200 Hr Certified Yoga Teacher

Health Coach; Certified from International Institute of Nutrition, NYC.

Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation Teacher; Irest Institute.

Certified Parent Mentor with the following: 4th Angel Program, Imermans Angels, Mib Agent, and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio

Angie became an AYA cancer advocate after her son Steven’s diagnosis of cancer in 2006. She started The Steven G. Cancer Foundation (Formerly The Steven G. AYA Cancer Research Fund) in 2009, following Steven’s second cancer diagnosis, which resulted in him having a successful bone marrow transplant.

At this time, she also began researching and studying complementary approaches to cancer treatment to ease the pain and stress that follows the patient and caregivers throughout and following the treatment process. Some of these serious issues are: chronic pain, PTSD, extreme fatigue, and anxiety.

Complementary approaches to cancer treatment that may help patients and caregivers include: Yoga, Exercise, Nutrition, Meditation, Stress Management, Massage, Social Support (i.e.: connecting with other patients and caregivers who have gone through similar experiences and receiving helpful information and emotional support).