Illinois mother and baby celebrate Christmas after tumor removal saves both

WASHBURN, Ill. - Call it a Christmas medical miracle. What began as a stubborn cough for a Washburn, Illinois, woman ended in a lifesaving medical journey that preserved two lives.

In December 2023, Makenna Lauterbach, 26, thought her persistent cough was just part of life on the farm. Pregnant with her first child, she attributed the symptoms to her daily chores. But one day, while feeding horses, she found herself gasping for air.

At 36 weeks pregnant, Makenna’s condition took a sudden turn. The cough escalated to severe shortness of breath. A hospital visit revealed the shocking cause: a tumor the size of a grapefruit was blocking the artery to her right lung, leaving both Makenna and her unborn baby dangerously low on oxygen.

Rushed to Northwestern Hospital, Makenna was met by a team of specialists. Doctors quickly performed an emergency C-section, delivering her baby boy, Colter. They diagnosed her with stage 3 melanoma and launched an aggressive treatment plan.

Through groundbreaking immunotherapy, the tumor shrank enough for surgeons to perform a complex procedure to remove Makenna’s right lung and parts of her pulmonary artery. Against all odds, the operation was a success.

"I woke up and the first thing I saw was my husband walking into the room holding our new baby," Makenna said, recalling the emotional moment.

Today, Makenna’s cancer is stable, her scans are clear, and baby Colter is thriving. Back on the farm, the family is cherishing every moment, preparing to celebrate an especially meaningful Christmas together.