A college student from Massachusetts studying abroad in Spain experienced a severe head injury after reportedly being forced off the road while cycling.
Lauren Rauseo, a junior at Stonehill College, was participating in an exchange program in France and had traveled to Spain for the weekend when a vehicle allegedly caused her to collide with a brick wall on March 17, as reported by Boston 25, citing Spanish authorities.
In addition to a traumatic brain injury, Lauren Rauseo was found to have a fractured clavicle, a broken hip, and a punctured lung, according to her father, Dave Rauseo.
Currently hospitalized in Spain, the Stonehill College junior is in a medically induced coma but has shown slight improvements, with her father expressing gratitude for the supportive gestures and prayers that have been extended to their family during this challenging time.
Efforts are underway to raise $250,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to facilitate Lauren Rauseo’s transfer to a specialized pediatric ICU trauma unit in Boston for further treatment.
Fellow classmates at Stonehill College were deeply shocked by the news of the incident, describing Lauren as an exceptionally kind individual who did not deserve such a tragic event.
Stonehill College, situated south of Boston, is a private Catholic institution with a student body of around 2,500 full-time students.
Before the accident, Rauseo had been awarded a scholarship to study abroad in Paris for the entire Spring 2024 semester, emphasizing the enriching experience of immersing herself in different cultures and languages.
Majoring in English, Communications, and French, Lauren Rauseo is dedicated to expanding her linguistic skills and cultural awareness.
Described as a vibrant and caring young woman with ambitious aspirations, Rauseo is currently far from home, fighting for her life, and in need of extensive support as she undergoes treatment abroad.
The GoFundMe campaign established for her has garnered over \(143,000 towards the \)250,000 target, showcasing the outpouring of generosity and solidarity from well-wishers.