Lauren Marie Binder, 25, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, November 5th. Lauren left this world peacefully in the loving arms or her family, and the company of dear friends. She is survived by her mother Pamela, her father Michael, Her brother Andrew, and her sister Shannon. This sweet angel came into the world on May 17th, 1991. It was immediately discovered that Lauren was different, having a rare chromosomal abnormality. It resulted in a seizure disorder, severe developmental delays, intermittent cortical blindness, and a tendency toward benign fibromatosis tumors. It was said she would not live past 2. She had other plans. She grew to be the embodiment of love and innocence, and touched the hearts of all who met her. As she progressed through her schools, she received the most incredible care and progressive therapies, delivered by the giving hands of her caregivers at the Foundation for Blind Children, Latch School, ACCEL, and ValleyLife. She spent her days in the care of Bus Drivers, Aides, Teachers, Therapists, Administrators, Nurses, and Caregivers, each helping her to reach her own special potential. These people, hard-working and underpaid, have a calling to do this often thankless and grueling work, for in it are hidden rewards. These people allow parents like us to lead somewhat normal lives. These people are heroes and have our endless thanks. She was in the very capable care of so many medical professionals, it would be impossible to list them all. They gave us hope, and changed her diagnosis from 2 years to many more. As always, she touched them deeply, and they kept her moving forward. We would like to thank a few by name: Dr. Allen Kaplan, Dr. Amy Christensen, Dr. Leigh McGill, and Dr. Dale Singer. These doctors and so many more, along with nurses, techs, pharmacists, and more have our eternal gratitude. In October of 2015, she returned home for good, in need of one-on-one attention that she could not get in a program. She was able to stay home with her Dad and her sister serving as primary caregivers, along with her mom. Her final year was marked by her unending determination doing battle with her body, tired, worn, and ravaged by years of seizures and pneumonia. Her family exhausted every resource to give her an advantage. In the end, she lost the fight, but she never gave up, and neither did they. When it became obvious that her condition was entering its final stages, her family reached out to Hospice of the Valley. Her final two weeks were spent at home, in comfort and constant company. And finally, after fighting longer, harder, and more valiantly than anyone could have expected, she slipped away. She was finally free. Her family is honored and grateful to have been given the gift of caring for her, the lessons she left are immeasurable. She was the essence of pure love, and touched the hearts of all who knew her. Her family wishes to thank each and every person who knew Lauren for the love and support you gave, and hopes you carry the love she inspired in you all of your days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lauren’s name to three agencies who served Lauren with grace, compassion and love: Foundation for Blind Children https://www.seeitourway.org/donate/ ACCEL School https://www.accel.org/donate/ Hospice of the Valley http://www.hov.org/donate