Lauren Junge: Where Passion Meets Perseverance By Leah J. Zelaya

Some paths are chosen. Others are carved from the challenges life places in our way. And every so often, those challenges become the very reason someone rises higher — not in spite of them, but because of them.

Lauren Junge, a nineteen-year-old from Houston, Texas, is a neuroscience student at the University of Rhode Island and the founder of the NORD Students for Rare club on her campus. She lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), a rare neuromuscular disease. Her academic focus is as precise as it is personal: she is majoring in medicinal neuroscience and minoring in cellular and molecular biology, determined to one day become a doctor working with children who have neuromuscular conditions. “I was interested in pharmacology as well as neuroscience, so I ended up finding medicinal neuroscience — a combination of both studies,” she explains. “My ultimate goal is to go to medical school and work with children with neuromuscular diseases. Medication is a big part of living with a neuromuscular disease. I saw how important they were and how knowledge about pharmacy would be beneficial to me.”

Lauren’s understanding of rare disease began before most children even start school. Diagnosed with LEMS shortly after her fifth birthday, she remembers meeting the news with a calm acceptance. “Because I was a young child, I was very accepting of what happened. I wasn’t often terribly upset about being diagnosed with LEMS or with diabetes. I knew nothing was going to get rid of my diseases, so I was very accepting of it.” Her love for science only deepened with time. “Already having knowledge of neuroscience set me up for success, and studying neuroscience is my favorite thing. I am always excited to tell people that I am studying neuroscience. I cannot imagine a better plan for my life than studying muscular dystrophy and returning to the hospital to work with muscular dystrophy patients. I really fell in love with learning about the medical field and taking health-related classes that I cannot imagine not pursuing medical school.” It was that same passion that led her to create a space for others navigating rare disease. Before arriving at college, she noticed there were no student-led groups focused on chronic illness. “I remember finding out that you can start your own club through NORD. Of course, this club is meaningful to me because I live with a rare disease. Once I was in my second semester, I asked a group of friends if they would like to join and after that we took off.”

Today, the NORD Students for Rare club is a source of connection and support. “I have been able to meet students who have rare diseases, and whose families live with different medical conditions. It was a place where people could talk about their stories or their families’ stories, and we have been able to build friendships where we can support one another on a different needs level. I have made friends who truly care about our club and the impact it can have on campus. We are planning more events for the future, and there is more to come soon.” In the midst of academics, leadership, and managing her health, Lauren makes space for joy. “I enjoy getting to share my life with other people and have them be able to support me back. Often, I craft, and I have friends join me in crafting — that is very joyful for all of us. Being with friends and chatting and doing any fun event is a perfect break from work.” Lauren’s journey is not just about a career path or a diagnosis — it is about a mindset. She shows that strength is not only measured by what we endure, but by what we choose to build from it. In her world, knowledge is a form of care, medicine begins with understanding, and purpose shines brightest when it is shared.