In November 2023, 11-year-old Lauren Torres was diagnosed with a rare pancreatic tumor during her annual physical. A CT scan at Children's Hospital of Orange revealed a mass on her pancreas, leading to a referral to UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute. Despite initial treatments, the tumor grew, necessitating a complex Whipple surgery performed by David K. Imagawa, MD, PhD. After overcoming a life-threatening reaction to anesthesia, Lauren successfully underwent surgery and made a remarkable recovery, returning to her active life within months. She has since reunited with her care team to thank them once again for saving her life.