Lauren's Legacy Takes to the Road

A powerful show of community resilience and strength unfolded in Toowoomba on Saturday 13th December as family, friends and supporters gathered to honour the life and legacy of 21-year-old Lauren Smith, whose life was cut short by epilepsy.

The Smith family, alongside local haulage company OBrienco Transport, officially unveiled a specially branded B-Triple truck dedicated to Lauren’s memory, transforming personal grief into a lasting commitment to epilepsy and SUDEP awareness.

Branded with Lauren’s story, the truck will travel across Australia carrying a message of awareness, remembrance and hope – ensuring that Lauren’s legacy, affectionately known as Lozza’s Legacy, will outlast her short years on earth.

Lauren’s mother, Susan Smith, said the event reflected not only the love her daughter inspired, but the determination of family, friends and the wider community to make meaningful change.

“When Lauren passed away, we were completely blindsided. We had no idea SUDEP was even possible,” Susan said. “Now, it’s our mission to get Lauren’s story out there and get people talking about epilepsy.”

Lauren grew up in Nobby, a small rural community between Warwick and Toowoomba. The youngest of three siblings, she was known for her love of cattle showing, football and her cheeky sense of humour. Her life changed abruptly at 17 when she experienced her first seizure, just a day after her birthday.

Lauren ‘Loz’ Smith

Despite years of medication trials and debilitating side effects, Lauren remained determined to live fully – finishing school, working at Bunnings and dreaming of becoming a governess or jillaroo.

“She was determined to live as normal a life as possible,” Susan said. “Even when she felt unwell or anxious, she just kept going. That was Lauren.”

At the time of her death, Lauren had been seizure-free for 15 months and had begun applying for her dream jobs. The family believed her epilepsy was finally under control.

“Not once did a specialist tell us about SUDEP,” Susan said. “If we’d known, even just to understand the risk, maybe we wouldn’t have been so blindsided. That’s why raising awareness matters.”

The unveiling event brought together the Smith family, close friends, the OBrienco Transport team, Epilepsy Queensland representatives and community members, highlighting the collective commitment to ensuring no other family faces epilepsy without information, awareness and support.

Epilepsy Queensland CEO Sandi Rodiger said Lauren’s story underscores the urgent need for greater understanding of epilepsy, SUDEP and the lifelong impacts of the condition.

“Epilepsy affects more than 50,000 Queenslanders, yet it remains widely misunderstood,” Sandi said. “What we see every day is that epilepsy impacts every part of a person’s life – from mental health and employment to independence and family wellbeing.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the Smith family and OBrienco Transport. Their commitment ensures Lauren’s legacy will continue to spark conversations, raise awareness and connect people to the support they need.”

For John O’Brien, founder and Managing Director of OBrienco Transport, carrying Lauren’s story across the country is a deeply personal tribute.

“Lauren always thought of others, even when she was struggling herself,” he said. “We can’t change what happened, but we can make sure her life makes a difference. This truck will carry her story, her courage and her kindness right across Australia.”

As Lozza’s Legacy takes to the road, the Smith family hope Lauren’s story will continue to raise awareness of SUDEP, strengthen community understanding of epilepsy, and ensure ongoing support for people living with the condition and those who love them.