When reactions from her numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments made blood transfusions necessary, Lauren Ciampa handled a local blood drive in typical Lauren style.

"She thanked everyone in line," recalled her mom, Sheila Ciampa of Andover, as she talked about the blood drive held at Faith Lutheran Church on South Main Street. "But that was so Lauren. She was so thoughtful and such a people person."

An Andover High School field hockey captain who graduated in 2006, Lauren Ciampa went on to Bentley College and was making college transfer plans to Villanova University when the grim health news was delivered. Lauren was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2007.

Treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston followed. Treatment continued in Philadelphia, Pa. as Lauren attended Villanova as planned.

When Lauren was declared cancer-free following a body scan in December of 2008, her mother said Lauren was joyful and eager to get on with her life as a regular college student.

But three months later, the prognosis changed.

"In March, they found several tumors. She had tumors all over her bones," Sheila Ciampa said.

Lauren died on May 13, 2009. The daughter of Frank and Sheila Ciampa and youngest sister of Adrienne and Carolyn Ciampa was just 21.

"Finally, she was doing what she wanted," Sheila said. "She just wanted to be a normal kid."

Athletic and friendly, Lauren kept her cancer ordeal somewhat private, as family and close friends were the only ones who knew about it.

Her memorial in Andover will be a bit more public as friends have teamed up to host a field hockey clinic in Lauren's memory. The clinic open to all kids in grades 5 and up and set for Aug. 11 and 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at Andover High School. Field hockey coach Maureen Noone will run skills sessions with field hockey players. Spinners Pizza has donated pizzas.

Organizers will donate proceeds to the Jimmy Fund, which is part of Dana Farber and focuses on kids.

"It's a really nice tribute to her," Sheila said. "Dana-Farber took wonderful care of her."

Plus, Lauren enjoyed kids, tutoring in Lawrence as part of her community-service work.

Her mom said hospital workers often gave her gifts, but she never wanted to keep those gifts.

"The only gift she asked for was for people to continue to support Dana Farber," Sheila said.

The field hockey clinic will do just that.

MEMORIAL FIELD HOCKEY CLINIC

In memory of AHS field hockey captain Lauren Ciampa

Tuesday, Aug. 11; Wednesday, Aug. 12

8 a.m.-noon

Andover High School

Cost: $40

Grades 5 and up

Proceeds benefit The Jimmy Fund

More info: Susan Krivelow, skrivelow@comcast.net