Friends have prayer vigil for recovering Ursuline cheerleader

December 11, 2014 at 9:03p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Lauren Petro is known as a lion to her friends.

Because of this they are confident in her strength to heal and get back to the Ursuline High School cheerleading squad.

The 16-year-old junior collapsed before a stunned crowd Tuesday at the Ursuline boys basketball game versus Massillon Perry.

“We are seeing improvement,” said Nicole Zielinski, 18, Lauren’s friend. “Her brain activity is really good.”

On Thursday evening Lauren’s squad organized a service for her in St. Christine Church. The pews were filled with people praying for Lauren’s strength and healing.

Prior to the service, Zielinski said had just gone to see her friend, in Akron Children's Hospital, and told her about the service.

“She said, 'Is it really that bad?'”

“No,” Zielinski said. “They are just praying for you.”