Community Corner

Video to Justin Bieber Features Kirkwood

A 13-year-old cancer survivor is trying to get Justin Bieber to come to St. Louis.

When Lauren Lee was battling cancer at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, a visit from Justin Bieber would have done wonders to lift her spirits.

"It would have just made it all better," the 13 year old from Maryville, IL, said.

Now Lee is on a campaign to make the dream a reality for her peers at the medical center.

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Lee made a YouTube video asking Justin Bieber to visit SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center in October.

The teen is the perfect spokesperson for the cause. She's a huge fan of Bieber and of her treatment at the medical center.

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In 2010, Lee was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin lymphoma after an x-ray revealed a mass in her chest. 

"I was so scared. At first I had no idea what it was," Lee said. "I was just terrified; I didn't know what was going to happen."

Lee received treatment at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. She said the staff helped make the experience less scary.

"They just always made me laugh and made me feel like the only patient at the hospital. Every time I was crying, my doctor would say a funny joke or hug me when I came (for a visit)," Lee said.

The care Lee received at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center worked. July 15 will mark the one-year anniversary of Lee's final treatment. The teen is happy and healthy and enjoying her passions.

Lee hopes that her campaign to get Bieber to the hospital will lift the spirits of young patients.

"It would just make them forget about what they're going through," Lee said. "It would make them happy. It would make them smile, and I would just love to see the smiles on their faces."

The trip to St. Louis would be cool for Bieber. In the YouTube video, Lee and the Rally Squirrel give Bieber a tour of the sites. The teen shows off and suggests a stop at .

The YouTube video has more than 8,000 views and its popularity grows by the minute. Not only is it getting a lot of views, but it's reaching the right eyeballs.

Lee recently received a tweet from Bieber's manager who told her he would show his client the video.

"I was going crazy (when I found out). I screamed and told my mom and dad and just started freaking out," Lee said.

The communications team at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center is working on packets for major media outlets like the Today Show and the Ellen DeGeneres Show to bring attention to Lee's cause.

Whether or not the video gets national media exposure, Lee has St. Louis behind her. The YouTube video is filled with comments of love and support. 

Check out what the buzz is about and let us know whether you think Justin Bieber will be hanging out in Kirkwood come October. 


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