Thibodeau Wins Kim Moore Spirit Award

CORAL SPRINGS, Florida (May 19, 2022) –University of Louisville senior Lauren Thibodeau has received the 2022 Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) Division I Kim Moore Spirit 
Award. 

This award is dedicated to Kim Moore, who played golf for the University of Indianapolis (1999-2003). Kim was an inspiration to all as she persevered through many physical 

challenges while playing collegiate golf. Her positive outlook and dedication toward the game was only out done by her sense of humor and passion for the game.

The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor a student-athlete or coach who exemplifies a great spirit toward the game of golf, a positive attitude on and off the golf 

course, a role model for her team and mental toughness in facing challenges.

Following a successful rookie season, which included carding the lowest round ever for a  freshman in school history, Lauren was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She managed the 

condition throughout her sophomore season, going on to appear in five events and finishing fourth on the team in stroke average. However, early into her junior season in the fall of 

2020 she began experiencing severe stomach issues.

Thinking it was related to her Celiac, she  powered through the pain until she went home for Thanksgiving break. Lauren’s parents decided to take her to the E.R., unaware that the trip would turn into a 55-day stay at Boston  Children’s Hospital Lauren’s first diagnosis was severe Ulcerative Colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. 

None of the treatments provided worked and the suggestion was made to remove her colon, which would mean the rest of her life with a colostomy bag. During the last treatment option before having to remove her colon, Lauren began to experience severe neurological  symptoms and was diagnosed with medical Catatonia. Catatonia presents as a motor disturbance, occurring when the chemistry in the brain is thrown off and leads to slowed  movements along with many other neurological symptoms. There were times when Lauren would get stuck in certain positions, not remember simple tasks such as brushing her teeth,  and even not remember who she was or who her family was. Her doctors were stumped, and after numerous failed tests and treatments the suggestion was made to try Electric Convulsive Therapy (ECT), an…