BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A satellite built on our Space Coast will honor the life of a young Merritt Island woman who died of sudden cardiac arrest.
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Sidus Space has named its satellite, LizzieSat2, “Lauren” for Lauren Boss.
In preparation for the upcoming launch, Sidus Space has partnered with Who We Play For. It’s an organization dedicated to raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest among young people. It took the life of Lauren, whose legacy of kindness, faith, and service is inspiring this mission.
“I can’t express that day has forever changed my life,” Kim Boss, Lauren’s mom, said. “I lost my best friend.”
Fighting back tears, she shared what it was like the moment she learned her daughter died from sudden cardiac arrest at 21 years old.
“Her heart was just a little too soft for this world,” Kim said. “Which is very true in many ways.”
According to the American Heart Association, 23,000 young people die every year from sudden cardiac arrest. It’s the leading cause of death on school campuses, according to the AHA.
Lauren’s silly, vibrant, and kindhearted spirit is now going to be shared all the way in space.
Her portrait, along with her favorite scripture, is now forever etched into the side of a Sidus Space satellite. It will be aboard Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket, ready to launch from California.
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“Why can’t I start naming satellites after those “Unsung Sheroes?” Carol Craig, Sidus Space CEO, said.
It’s a full circle moment for her. Lauren grew up with Craig’s two kids. She said for her, this decision was a no brainer.
“What kind of legacy can you create, and can you share with the rest of the world and make it more meaningful, than launching a satellite,” Craig said.
It’s a legacy that lives on through Kim. She’s turning what ifs into what can I do now?
“I can make awareness to this age group so that when a child goes down, they know what to do. CPR, AED’s available, get screenings,” Boss said.
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Now Lauren’s name and sudden cardiac arrest awareness will be spread even above the clouds.
“My mission ops team will refer to the satellite by its name,” Craig said. “So, they’re going to go, Lauren’s up there, Lauren’s coming around, Lauren’s over New Zealand. Lauren’s name is going to be said over and over and over again.
The Lauren Boss Legacy Foundation has since been created in Lauren’s honor. More information can be found here.
All funds raised at Bag’n For Hearts, a cornhole tournament in honor of Bryan Blackburn, will go to the foundation. The event is Saturday, January 25th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Island in Merritt Island.
Right now, the Hearts Act, formerly known as the Rafe Maccarone access to AED Act, is on President Joe Biden’s desk. It originated in Brevard County and will promote student access to AEDs and knowledge of CPR.
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