A 29-year-old mother of 4 children from Vidor, Texas has died after contracting fungal meningitis following a plastic surgery procedure done in Mexico.
Lauren Brooke Robinson, described as a “beloved individual who brought joy and warmth to the lives of those around her,” traveled to Matamoros, Mexico, for an unspecified cosmetic surgery procedure in February.
Robison’s results were great, and “everything was good,” her husband said, before Lauren eventually began having a constant headache.
The two made multiple visits to hospitals before one in Galveston, Tex., was able to determine the problem.
Robinson, who is one of three patients now confirmed dead as a result of a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico, spent almost a month in Jennie Sealy Hospital before passing away there last Wednesday.
“The loss of Lauren Brooke Robinson leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.”
Obituary of Lauren Brooke Robinson (February 19, 1994 – May 31, 2023)
On May 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said they had become aware of U.S. residents being diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis after undergoing surgical procedures in the River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3, both located in Matamoros, Mexico.
Both clinics were shut down on May 13.
Robinson’s husband, Garrett, and Brittany Corbello, established a fundraiser for Lauren on April 30, initially intended to cover the cost of her medical bills and time spent away from work.
By Sunday, 106 donors had given $11,065.
After an update posted May 28 that described ongoing medical conditions and treatments, the next and last update is a brief and somber sentence of heartbreak:
“This is now to help with funeral expenses for Lauren. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers.”
Lauren Brooke Robinson, a lifelong resident of Vidor, Texas, was born February 19, 1994 and passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
A memorial for the mother of four describes her as a beloved individual with a diverse skillset, a jack of all trades.
The CDC advises that anyone who had a medical or surgical procedure involving epidural anesthesia at River Side Surgical Center or Clinica K-3, between Jan 1 and May 13, 2023, should go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible to be evaluated for fungal meningitis, even if they do not currently have symptoms.