As September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, I thought there was no better time than now to explain the incredible story of a thyroid cancer survivor; my best friend Lauren. Lauren is one of the strongest human beings I know and I couldn't be more proud to call someone my best friend.

I'll always remember the day Lauren called me and told me the news. I had just gotten home from school and she was going to be home in just a few weeks. She asked me to FaceTime, and I didn't think anything of it. But, then, in such a calming way, she explained to me that she had Thyroid Cancer, and that she promised me she was going to be okay. I felt my heart sink into my stomach. I wanted to be strong for her, because even though in my heart I was terrified, I saw through my tiny phone screen that she was optimistic and brave.

So in that moment, I just asked her as many questions as I had. How did you find out? What are the next steps? Do you need chemo or radiation? And most importantly Are you going to be okay? Lauren was patient with me as I asked these questions. She answered them in the best way she could and then she told me the doctors were very optimistic that after she has her thyroid removed, she is going to be more than okay.

That was a calming thought that I held on to. But on top of that, seeing how positive Lauren was about the whole situation, made me realize how lucky I am to have someone so inspiring as a friend. I just wanted to be there for her in any way I could, but I also didn't want to treat her any differently than I already did just because she had cancer. So, I made it clear that whenever she wanted to talk about it, or vent to me, or anything, I was there, but besides that, we just went along with our normal friendship.

So before her surgery, we did everything we always did, which pretty much just entailed eating more sushi than our stomachs can handle and being our very weird selves. We had sleepovers, went swimming and even attempted to cut a watermelon for the first time. Even though Lauren was going through a tough time, she was acting stronger and happier than ever.

When the day of Lauren's surgery came, her mom was kind enough to make sure I was updated all the time, which I appreciated more than anything. Not only did she update me on the surgery, but she made sure Lauren's special flare came through. She sent me silly pictures of Lauren in her hospital gown and told me all about the gorgeous doctor Lauren had on her team. When the surgery was over, she told me that it couldn't have gone smoother and that Lauren was cancer free. I finally felt my heart settle and relax as I knew my best friend was going to be okay.

When I first visited Lauren after her surgery, with a bag full of silly gifts in hand (including a nerf gun, cause duh) I saw how happy she was, even though she was in a great deal of pain post-surgery. It was all over and her bravery and strong outlook on this entire journey all paid off. She was finally the healthy Lauren she always wanted to be and I was so proud of everything she had been through.

Cancer is a very scary word, and luckily Lauren was diagnosed with a very treatable cancer. But that doesn't discredit anything she went through. She is so brave and so wonderful and was able to push through probably one of the toughest things in her life. She came out stronger, and knowing Lauren, she is too modest to ever admit that. But, as one of her best friends, I can promise her that that couldn't be more true, and I know all of her other friends and family would strongly agree.

Lauren, you are an inspiration to everyone around you. You are a survivor of cancer and as much as I know you will never admit it, you are an incredible person. Thank you for teaching me to be as brave as you and for being the most incredible friend in the entire world.