Lauren K. Minard, 22, of Poughkeepsie

Lauren K. Minard, 22, a lifelong area resident, died on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie following a courageous battle with cerebral palsy.

Born Aug. 19, 1995, in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of Darren A. and Darlene D. (Salvatore) Minard. She was a graduate of Hyde Park schools.

Lauren attended programs at Abilities First in Poughkeepsie and the Community Rehabilitation Center in Kingston.

Notably, Lauren was one of the first children in our area to participate in a program using the “Adeli Suit” at the Euromed Rehabilitation Center in Mielno, Poland. The Adeli Suit (originally designed for the Russian space program) is currently used to treat children with physical disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions.

She enjoyed walks, especially on the Walkway Over the Hudson, spending time with her yellow Lab, Kelly, and listening to her favorite band, The Beatles.

The well-remembered Valentine’s Day dances to benefit the Lauren Kelly Minard Fund were always well attended and are just a small testament to the lives this young woman touched.

In addition to her parents, Lauren is survived by sister, Danielle E. Minard; two brothers, Alexander C. Minard and his wife, Amanda, and Sgt. Sean M. Minard, USMC, and his wife, Brittany; niece, Kasen Bliss; nephews, Alexander Jr., Camden, and Lincoln Minard; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Harold E. Minard and Joyce M. Minard, and her maternal grandparents, Jack J. Salvatore and Elizabeth E. Salvatore.

In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Sweet’s Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park.

A celebration of Lauren’s life will take place at 2 p.m. during the visitation.

Lauren’s family would like to wish much love to her dedicated team of healthcare professionals that took care of her during her lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley, 80 Woods Road, Valhalla, N.Y. 10595 (914) 493-6455, www.rmhghv.org.

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit the website www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.