A Few Grown Men
Come meet the toughest girl in Texas.
Lauren Scruggs is her name.
She’s 24 and I’ve just collaborated on a new book with her, along with her parents and twin sister.
Newly released, the book is called STILL LOLO: a spinning propeller, a horrific accident, and a family’s journey of hope.
In December 2011, headlines around the world reported the heartbreaking story: Fashion journalist Lauren “LoLo” Scruggs had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights, in a small plane piloted by a family friend—and as she exited the plane, its still-moving propeller hit her head-on.
As Lauren was rushed to the hospital, fighting for her life, the world watched in horror and fascination. Media clamored for news on her condition. Her CaringBridge site received more than 1.5 million hits. People around the world were eager for updates on her progress, or simply left notes of encouragement, saying that they found her story inspiring, and that they were rooting for her full recovery.
Several major surgeries and thousands of prayers later, Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye.
Some thought that this would be the end of everything for her, a beautiful young woman working in an industry completely focused on appearance.
They could not have been more wrong.
Even while she was in the hospital, heavily sedated and in a near-comatose state, Lauren began the fight to come back strong.
In early March I flew to Texas to interview Lauren and her family. I toured the crash site, saw the plane she flew in the night of the accident, and accompanied Lauren to the gym where I watched—awestruck—as Lauren cranked out full pushups, one right after another, as part of her rehabilitation therapy.
This is a young woman who should not have been alive.
Three months earlier, on the night of the accident, the paramedics who treated Lauren later told reporters that when they arrived on the accident scene, the extent of Lauren’s injuries “took their breath away.” With the large amount of blood she’d lost, the lacerations to her head, and her skull fracture, the first responders thought for sure she wouldn’t survive.
In STILL LOLO, Lauren fearlessly steps into the public light for the first time since her accident. She reveals what really happened that night, how she survived against all odds, and what her life is like today.
We reconstruct the accident moment by moment in the book, and chillingly show how it could have happened to anybody.
Lauren is unflinchingly honest in the face of some incredibly difficult questions: What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone be able to love me now?
And she calls us all to live a life without fear—to overcome whatever challenges threaten to limit us and discover a new dream, a new day, a bold new future.
Containing never-before-published photos and personal stories from Lauren and her family, STILL LOLO is a compelling and fiercely beautiful account of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are—no matter what.
“I smiled, laughed, and cried … (Lauren) is a beautiful ray of sunshine, and I am glad to have her as a friend.” (From the foreword)
—Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer
“…a beautiful read…”
—Giuliana Rancic, anchor E! News
“(Lauren’s) attitude, joy, and faith are daily reminders of what I aspire to be.”
—Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
“… a story to strengthen and encourage the weary heart.”
—Matt Chandler, Lead pastor, The Village Church, Dallas
The book is available at all major book outlets and online.
We’re giving away a copy of “Still Lolo!” Please leave a comment below for your chance to win!
On November 30 at noon (EST), we’ll pick a name in a random drawing from all eligible entries received and send you an email notification if you are the winner!
Limit one (1) entry per person; NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 or older as of date of entry.
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