William Crowley Lauerman

It´s been years as I´m still saddened by his passing. He saved my life from scoliosis along with major complications during surgery and he managed to heal me. I couldn´t thank him enough for everything and will never get to. Prayers to his family and friends.

I had the same experience as the last poster. I was looking up his email address to send him some good news--that 6 years past major scoliosis surgery, I just won a half ironman triathlon in the women's overall category. I wanted to let him know how much he had changed my life. I wish I had done so earlier. What a tragic loss of a wonderful and selfless person. My condolences are with his family.

I was just about to email Dr. Lauerman to make an appointment. But since I have not seen him for a number of years, something told me to google him first. I am deeply saddened to read about his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I was diagnosed with scoliosis and after seeing different doctors in various countries, i finally met Dr Lauerman and instantly knew that he was the doctor for me. His warmth, professionalism and skill made me to continue the long journey from London to Washington. Whilst many doctors were pessimistic about my chance of walking again after surgery, he gave me hope at the time i needed it the most. Thank you for giving me my life back. I and my family will always be grateful. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Please accept our deepest condolences over the loss of our special friend and amazing surgeon for my husband Bob. The loss of Dr. Lauerman (Bill) is a loss to the entire medical community, to his family of course and to friends and acquaintances far and wide. His professionalism and skill were acclaimed and rightly so, but his character was equally as sterling and fine. He holds a special place in our hearts as my husband's surgeon, but also as the father of two wonderful, accomplished children whom I was privileged to teach. May you all, his family, find strength in your faith, family and friends and may God grant you peace at this time. The legacy of your husband and father is a great one and may cherished memories give you solace and joy in days to come.

Fondly,

Lady N. Hodges

May God Bless the family of Dr. Lauerman as my family will never forget him. Dr. Lauerman has changed my daughter's life for the better which gave her a more positive outlook on life & for that i will be forever grateful!

I called Dr. Lauerman's office today to make an appointment only to learn the heartbreaking news that's he's no longer with us on this earth. He has been my doctor for 16 years. He was such a wonderful doctor; kind and honest. He never pushed me into surgery as many other doctors had attempted to previously. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to his family. He did remarkable work here on earth and improved the lives of so many. He will be truly missed.

I just learned of Bill's passing; very saddened. We were classmates at Georgetown, and would catch up a bit, every few years at the 'usual conferences'. Our deepest condolences....a very nice guy, who will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him

My family was so shocked and saddened when we recently learned of Dr Lauerman's death. We met him last April when he evaluated the scoliosis of a 14-year-old girl whom we're adopting and - in the span of 30 minutes - we were highly impressed by his knowledge, wit, warmth and compassion. He quickly, yet patiently, brought us up to speed on our daughter's condition. Dr Lauerman made such a strong positive impression on us that we seriously considered continuing to make the 4-hour drive to D.C. so that our daughter could remain under his care, although we eventually found an excellent doctor in our community. As the many comments in this guest book attest, Dr Lauerman was clearly a gifted healer and a fine man. My heart goes out to his family and friends - I hope they have wonderful memories of their husband, father, brother, and friend and take comfort in recalling those occasions.

My condolences to the Lauerman family. This is quite a loss for the medical community. He was truly talented and compassionate physician.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Lauerman's passing. To say he helped me through a difficult medical problem is an understatement. He was a kind and helpful doctor who clearly gave his best to each and every one of his patients. Dr. Lauerman seemed to have a way of putting himself into the middle of a problem, see all the sides and then find the best solution. I admired that skill and greatly benefited as his patient. His words of encouragement and skills as a physician will be sadly missed.

Dr Lauerman there isn't a day that has gone by since our first incountet.You helped my little sister with her sclerosis at 14 she was so thankful for you giving her life back. But you didn't stop there You then worked your miracle magic again This time for me in 1992 I being 31 my s1 l4 was at a three from slipping you fused it and made me able to still walk without that surgery I would of had paralysis. AS I look to the Heavens I can see you smile beause your the only Dr in this world who could remember every patients name That shows A Real True dedicated
Dr. Who had a real love for mankind. Even when we last spoke you asked me how my little sister was.You were a blessing sent from above Now the Lord took you home to take care of Our Hero Dr William Lauderman. THANK YOU SO MUCH GIVE A FINAL AMEN TO A ONE KIND HERO,FATHER, A TRUE FRIEND, A ONE OF A KIND, GOD BLESS YOU' LL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED HERE IN TEXAS THANK YOU SO MUCH AMEN OUR CCONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GOD BLESS SUCH A WORLDLY MAN THANK YOU AGAIN OBE LAST TINE THE HEIMS IN TEXAS!!!!!! DARLENE

I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Lauerman's death. He gave me my life back through a complex, major spinal surgery, at a time when it seemed that nothing could help, and I will forever honor his memory.

I just learned of Dr Lauerman's passing. I am so sorry. He performed back surgery on my daughter who has a neurodegenerative disease more than ten years ago. He was conservative and thoughtful. He was an amazing surgeon. I'm so sorry for everyone's loss.

Dr. Lauerman saved me from paralysis when we had discovered my spine had broken from a tumor when I was 14. I was shocked and saddened to tears when I read of his passing. I was hoping to call him for his advice. My warmest regards to his surviving family and friends. He was truly a special person.

It has greatly saddened me to learn of Dr. Lauerman's passing. He was a wonderful mentor and one of the few individuals who believed in me on my journey to medicine. I will forever be thankful to him for that. My prayers are with the Lauerman family and I hope you find peace in all the wonderful things Dr. Lauerman accomplished during his time here.-AA

I am so sad to learn of Dr. Lauerman's passing. He helped me when no one else would or could by correcting challenging surgical errors left by a previous surgeon. I remember feeling such a sense of admiration for him, knowing he would do all he could for me. And he did a great job, taking away years of pain and suffering. The world has lost a great surgeon and a great man. Rest peacefully and forever in the Arms of Jesus, Dr. Lauerman.

Doctor Lauerman took care of me all throughout my childhood with my scoliosis. I even went up to Georgetown this morning to go see him... I had not heard about his passing. This man has helped me so much more than I can say. He was an essential part of my childhood, and of my family. Dr. Lauerman will always be remembered well by the Grego's. Thank you Dr. Lauerman for you hard work and dedication to us. We will be praying for you and your family.

Bill was an amazing surgeon and a wonderful person. He and I shared thousands of patients over the past 10 years. He always went the "extra mile" for his patients and was such a humble man despite all of his achievements. He touched so many lives with his talent and compassion. He is sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.

I am so sad to have learned the news today. Sincere condolences from our family to yours. Dr. Lauerman performed successful back surgery on my disabled son and later on myself.

I feel truly blessed to have had Dr. Lauerman as my spinal surgeon. I had been to another surgeon with twenty plus years of experience who told me that he didn't feel comfortable due to the complexity of my spinal problems but was certain Dr. Lauerman could help me. Even though its only been a few months since my surgery I feel like I have my life back and am able to spend time with all four of my children again. I will keep Dr. Lauermans family in my prayers always.

I was saddened to tears and shocked to received the letter of Dr. William Lauerman passing of Cancer at age 59.
In 2011 after suffering with 24/7 Back pain for 2 years and seeing several physicians, Dr. William Cassidy referred me to Georgetown, to see Dr. William Lauerman.
He did extensive Spinal surgery from T10 - L5 using rods, braces and screws to support my spine to relieve the pain and correct the scoliosis so that I could walk again.
Three other physicians felt I would probably become totally bedridden, But Dr. Lauerman said " I think I can help you, I have done this before" and he did. Since Georgetown didn't accept my Health Insurance Dr. Lauerman's office made the arrangements to set up an individual contract so that he and his partners could do the specialized surgery there at Georgetown Medical Center. My family and I will be forever grateful.
Our sincere sympathy and prayers to all his family, friends and those who knew and loved him.

Dr. Lauerman was my surgeon throughout high school, I'm thankful for how he fixed my spine, but I also found him to be a role model and my experience with him to be one of the reasons I am pursuing medicine

It is because of Dr.Lauerman that our son walks today.
He was an inspiration to our family.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
Our deepest sympathies.
The family of Jackson Barr
Bethesda, MD.

Prayers to his family for their loss. He was a well-respected doctor who left his imprint on all of us that he attended. While recovering from emergency surgery on Christmas morning 2013 at Georgetown Hospital, Dr. Lauerman was the first to visit me on his early morning rounds. He'll be missed. God Bless!

I was so lucky and grateful to be referred to Dr.Lauerman. I had spinal fusion with bone grafts in an early procedure for scoliosis and suffered an unrelated herniated disc problem 40 years later. Dr. Lauerman was the only doctor who was familiar with the procedure and was able to help me. That happened 10 years ago, and I have been totally healthy ever since.
I will always be very thankful for his incredible talent and kindness

My family and I wish to extended our sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and the many people who loved Dr. Lauerman. He gave me back my life after years of pain and I will forever grateful for this wonderful man and incredible surgeon.

Dr. Lauerman's passing was a shock to receive, yesterday, to say the least. Reading his biography and the guest book from his patients, the amazing feats performed by him and the staff of professionals he pulled together for complex surgeries will be treasured by the people he touched. I also was one of his patients, and I, my family and friends, are grateful for his skills and bed side manner easing worries of such intricate under takings.

He asked me how I messed up my back, so, and I said I had fun these pass 50 years.

On my fifth day in the hospital he came by to tell me that I would be checking out at noon. I said, “What, no strawberry short cake that is on the lunch menu?”

He replied, “OK! But, you got to be out by five.”

On a follow-up appointment I got “Mr. All Business-Matter of Facts” to laugh at a joke, which, Jill Cunningham, NP, the “gate keeper” of the office, cracked-up with her laugher saying he has a dry humor; but, rarely in the office, does he joke.

I was going to stop by the office over the Christmas Holidays to let him know that his work has allowed me to get back into playing golf; but, his craftsmanship has not improved my game score. I think I will still stop by.

We wish to give our deepest sympathy for Dr. Lauerman's family, colleagues and friends.

I was so pleased to be referred to Dr. Lauerman in 2003, and with his recommensation that I try Pilates to address chronic spinal issues as a scoliosis patient with broken Harrington rods. It has worked, and I have appreciated periodic consultations with Dr. Lauerman, including in late August 2013. I had no idea he was ill. What a superb professional and what a loss to his field. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Dale Gibb

Dr. Lauerman did both of my children's spinal surgery's on the same day. He was amazing through this ordeal and made me feel so comfortable on the day of surgery. My children were so sad to hear of his passing. He will be truly missed. God Bless You Dr. Lauerman. Sincerely, Susan Markovich

Dr. Lauerman was my Orthopaedic Surgeon. He helped me overcome some painful lower back issues for which I will always be grateful. I was surprised and saddened to learn of his passing. My condolences and prayers to the family in this trying and difficult time. He will be missed by many.

My family and I are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Lauerman's passing. We are forever grateful to him for saving our old daughter (who was 12 at the time) from becoming permanently disabled. She was suffering from an extremely severe case of scoliosis, and had not been properly treated by other doctors. God led us to Dr. Lauerman, an immensely gifted, caring surgeon, who used his brilliance and amazing skills to correct her condition. Thanks to Dr. Lauerman, our daughter is now able to live a healthy, normal life. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family. We will always remember Dr. Lauerman, and be thankful to him for giving our daughter back her life.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Lauerman. I was his patient for the last several years and like so many others am truly grateful for his reassuring manner, care, and surgical skills. I will miss him.

I extend my condolences to Dr. Lauerman's family, friends, and co-workers. I was taken by surprise at the hospital's notification of his death. He operated on me in 2007 to remedy as much as possible adult-onset Scoliosis. I've visited with him each year for follow-up exams. He was a real gentleman, and certainly an attentive medical expert. I miss him.
Murray Blank

Dr. Lauerman was a wonderful man and physician. He helped save my life in 2009 after I was transferred to Georgetown Hospital with bacterial spinal meningitis. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this deeply sad time. You will be sorely missed :(

I wish to add my condolences on Dr. Lauerman's death to his family, colleagues, and friends. I, too, was shocked to receive Georgetown's notification. I, too, benefitted from 2007 scoliosis surgery. And I, too, will miss seeing him on my annual visits and just knowing he was there and available.

Dr. Lauerman was my husband's doctor. As a nurse and wife I was so thankful we were referred to him because not only was he considered the foremost doctor for treating Scoliosis, he was kind, considerate, caring and compassionate. We were very fond of him and will miss him terribly. Our deepest condolences to his family. I will pray for them. Carol and Glen Harrah(Leesburg, VA)

I was so sad to hear of Dr. Lauerman's passing. He has been my daughter's caring doctor for several years. Treating a teenager with scoliosis is not easy, but he did do it with ease and caring. We felt so reassured that he was her doctor. He always remembered that she plays soccer for his son's high school alma mater - it was those little things that make the difference. He will be sorely missed.

Dr. Lauerman was a leader in his field and accomplished so much. He was a physician I trusted and relied upon for over ten years. Indeed he was a fine professional and caring person. He did so much for so many people yet many of us did not know that he was suffering. What a fine man. We will miss him.

Dr. Lauerman was a fine and caring physician. He helped so many people who had spinal problems. Dr. Lauerman was truly devoted to his patients and he will be missed. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to his family.

My name is Ray Kalin. I was an Orthotist and worked with Dr Lauerman from the first day he came to Georgetown to the day I left the area in 2006. I worked side by side with him, seeing patients before, during and after surgeries. I fit them with braces to support and protect his patients while they recovered. I have many Great memories of being by his side in his clinic. During slow moments we would just talk about his family and mine. He was such a great friend.
I can't even imagine the loss his wife and children feel.
Bill Lauerman was a Great doctor and amazing person and friend.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friend, patients and colleges who I also worked with while at the hospital. His passing is a great loss to the medical community as well as all the patients lives he improved.
Life goes on and my is better for knowing him.
Rest in Peace with all my prayers.
Ray and Carolyn Kalin-Leesport, PA

Dr. Lauerman was a miracle worker. He operated on me and my sister in the same week last November and now we can both walk again without the fear of being paralyzed. What an amazing doctor---so caring and competent, a gentle soul who used God's gifts to help so many. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his family. May God guide you and give you solace during such a difficult time of loss. We are truly in a state of shock. Sincerely, Pat and Ann

Dr. Lauerman operated on me in January of this year and he was the finest most caring person. Several times he looked very very tired and I told him he needed to rest up and he laughed. I am so sorry for the family's and his patients loss.

I am so sad to hear of Dr. Lauermans passing. He had been my Doctor since 1998 and had seen me through several surgeries. He was a wonderful, kind, and gentle man whose talents and dedication will be greatly missed. I will never forget him. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to the Lauerman family. Dr. Lauerman really helped me understand my complex condition over the years and the timing of surgery. I am in the dark today, along with many others patients who benefited from his kindness, knowledge and wisdom. Thank you Doctor Lauerman. May God be with you.

I want to extend my thoughts and preyers to Dr. Lauerman's family. My son was a patient of his for the last 17 years. He was a wonderful physician who took great care of our son.

Dr.Lauerman restored my health and gave my future a brighter outlook. He operated on my lumbar spine, correcting damage done by Charcot spine. He was a wonderful, caring man, and I will miss him dearly.

Dr. Lauerman operated on my then 15 year old daughter Leah in June 2011 to correct spinal scoliosis. Although we've only known Dr. Lauerman for a very short time, the magnitude of what he gave back to my daughter will never be forgotten. We are so grateful that my daughter now walks tall and proud. Dr. Lauerman was the nicest man and very attentive to my daughter and her care throught her year of recovery. His presence and talents will truly be missed.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Lauerman. We are keeping the Lauerman family in our prayers and thoughts.

Our deepest condolances to his family and friends. We only met Dr. Lauerman twice during our son's office visits. Dr. Lauermen had an exceptional bedside manner and was very informative and genuinely cared about us. A thorough gentleman. We were shocked and saddened to learn of his
passing.

RIP Doctor.

What a sadness my husband and I are feeling after receiving our letter today from Georgetown informing us of Dr Lauermans death! Dr Lauerman helped me regain my life after his amazing surgery he performed on me18 months ago.
We pray that he didn't suffer at the time of his death, and that his family can find solace in knowing of the miraculous work their husband and father performed on so many grateful people.
May God walk bedside all of you in this terrible time of grief!
We forever honored to have known this outstanding man who was a gift from our God!
Blessing on all of you,
Rev Bill and Jackie Lover

I am deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Lauerman's passing. He performed a L5/S1 fusion on me in November, 2011, and I was a patient of his for 10 years beforehand.

He was a truly special man; one that I completely trusted and was glad to have at the helm of a critical operation. Further, his work ethic and compassion for his patients was inspirational.

He will be missed and I will always remember him.

Our family is very sad to hear the passing of Dr. Lauerman. My son and wife both had his magical hands perform spinal fusion on them. I can't thank him enough for all he did for our family.

I cannot say enough of Dr Lauerman. He is such a smart, caring, and wonderful man. I walk tall and proud due to the care he provided for me. I had surgery in 2002 as a child and had the privilege of seeing him again this summer for one last appointment. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones right now through this difficult time. He truly is a special man and has touched many hearts through his compassion of helping others.

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Lauerman's passing. He operated on my lower back in 2010 and did such a wonderful job at putting me at ease. I'll never forget his manner at explaining processes to me and the seriousness with which he took his life's work. Please accept my sincere condolences. His physical self has moved on but his spiritual self will remain with you all forever.

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Lauerman's death. I have been his patient for several years and he has always been straightforward and honest with me. My heartfelt condolences go to his family for their loss.

I am so sorry to hear about Dr Lauerman. He performed spinal fusion on me in 2001. The results were miraculous to me. I saw him recently and always valued his opinions on my health. It is now over 12 years since the operation and I feel great. I will miss him and his expert advice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family . He will be missed by all his patients.

For ten years he cared for my daughter, yet we never knew he was dealing with his own health issues. He was always so kind and caring. I am sad to learn of Dr. Lauerman's death and my deepest sympathy to his family. He will be missed by so many!

I first met Dr. Lauerman about a year ago as a new patient and was stunned and saddened to hear of his passing, when I called today for an appointment. In our brief doctor-patient relationship, I recognized quickly the competence and caring of an accomplised physician and gentleman, and will miss him very much.
To his Family, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in these days of grieving.
Most sincerly,

My daughter and I both received excellent care from Dr Lauerman. We will miss his wonderful approach to medicine and the care of patients. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues. He will never be forgotten in the hearts of so many.

Like so many others who have already written here, our family has benefited from Dr. Lauerman's knowledge and skill and been touched by his patience and gentleness.
It is a difficult thing to have so many entrust their lives and well-being to your care and wear it with such grace. Dr. Lauerman was always gracious with our teenage daughter and our concerns and fears. He corrected her painful curve (and made her taller, to her delight), and six years later, we still marvel when she walks and bends and lifts heavy objects effortlessly and pain-free. In our family, like so many others, we often say: "Thank you, Dr. Lauerman" at those times.
Your personal loss of a husband, father, brother is so much deeper and more difficult, but please know that so many appreciated this fine man and how he lived and worked. It was a privilege to have met him.

DR.LAUERMAN WILL ALWAYS REMAIN THE MAN THAT RETURNED A GOOD LIFE BACK TO ME AND MY FAMILY. HE PERFOMRED TWO AMAZING AND HIGLY SUCCESSFUL SURGERIES ON MY LOWER IN 2005 AND 2012. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

My deepest sympathies to Dr Lauerman's family.I was a patient of his.He was a lovely man and will be miss.

We are saddened to hear of Dr. Lauerman's passing and send our sincerest condolences to his family. Our family will be forever grateful for his thoughtful care, attentiveness, and expertise in treating our daughter"s scoliosis.
Blessings and prayers to Dr. Lauerman and his extended family.

My condolences to Dr. Lauerman's family. He helped my daughter so very much by operating on her back, encouraging her with soft-handed tactics to not despair; everything would be fine as long as she did as he asked. She did recover from the surgery 10 years ago. She has backpacked over 200 miles as a Venture scout and danced semi-professionally. Dr. Lauerman had such a large impact on her life...we are so thankful. God bless you all at this time of grief.

To my absolute shock and sadness I heard of Dr. Lauerman's passing earlier today. Dr. Lauerman is the reason why my mother is able to walk around today, maintain her independence, and her dignity. May god rest his soul. My sincere condolences.

I was extremely saddened to learn of Dr. Lauerman's passing. He was a kind and wonderful man who gave my son his life back when he performed his scoliosis surgery. May God wrap his arms around and comfort his family during the difficult days ahead.

I met with Dr. Lauerman only once last summer but will miss him greatly. He was so impressive and I felt so lucky to have found him. I suffer from scoliosis and now will not have the benefit of this gifted surgeon; I don't know where to turn. My heart goes out to Mrs. Lauerman and his children. May God be with you.

Dr. Lauerman performed spinal fusion on me January 15 1997. He basically gave me my life back and I will always remember his kindness and professionalism. Thank you Doctor Lauerman.

Dr. Lauerman performed a double spinal fusion on me in March. He was a wonderful surgeon as well as one of the best doctors I have seen. He was patient, listened and really cared that I be pain free and able to do the things that I wanted. He gave me his time and care and for that I will be forever grateful. My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Lauerman and prayers for you in the coming months and years.

I was a patient of Dr. Lauerman and he did surgery on my back. I feel that he was one of the very best back Drs. there is and will be greatly missed. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family. My thanks for all the wonderful work he did on my back. Patty Gehring, Reston

My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to the Lauerman family. I was deeply saddened when my physical therapist told me this morning of his passing. Dr. Lauerman had provided amazing care to me over the past 17 years and, thanks to him, I am virtually pain free. He will be greatly missed.

I am so saddened by the loss of Dr. Lauerman. He performed scoliosis surgery on me in December of 2009. He was not only an outstanding surgeon, but he was such a compassionate person. I will greatly miss him and know deep in my heart how his surgery changed my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved family.

Dr. Lauerman corrected my super s-curve when I was 52. I am now 60, pain free, active and a devotee of modified yoga. I owe the blessed life I am now living to Dr. Lauerman. I am so grateful that I saw him in July and was able to thank him again. My prayers are with his family and friends.

A great loss to the medical field. Dr Lauerman was a professional and a gentleman.

Dr. Lauerman was my daughter's doctor and I appreciated his no nonsense but kind manner with us. Very sorry for this loss for his family, friends, patients and medical community.

I was very saddened to hear this news of Dr. Lauerman. After having a two part scoliosis surgery this past spring, I was just truly amazed and thankful for his miraculous work. I feel so blessed to have had him as my surgeon. What a knowledgable, talented, and caring man! He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

The news of Dr. Lauerman's passing has hit me quite hard. Like so many others, he worked a miracle for me when he performed lower spinal surgery on me in 2011. He deserves to have the orthopaedic wing of Georgetown University (GU) Hospital renamed in his honor. He was an artist in the operating room, and I do not use that word lightly. I shall miss him and only hope that the GU administrators will have the good sense to find another gifted surgeon to carry on Dr. Lauerman's miraculous work.

Thankyou Doctor Lauerman,you will be missed.

My wife was just informed of Dr. Lauerman's passing by his office and we are both shocked and saddened. Dr. Lauerman perform fusion surgery on my 14 year old son in July and we were looking forward to seeing him for the second follow-up next week. My son's progress since surgery has been remarkable and it would not have been possible without Dr. Lauerman's skill and sensitivity. He was a man of unique abilities and we will never ever forget him. God Bless you William Lauerman.

Thank you for the care you have given over the last 7 years.

It was with profound sadness that my husband and I learned of Dr. Lauerman's death. He performed intricate surgery on my husband in mid-July and was extraordinary then and later when he led us through successful treatment of a serious complication. Like others who have written in these pages, we felt very fortunate to have had the benefit of his skill and the pleasure of knowing such a fine and skilled man. Our condolences go out to all his family. Kathy and Frank Wood, Alexandria, VA

God speed Dr. Lauerman. Transcribing for you for the past five years has been the best job I've ever had. I only know your voice, but it spoke volumes. "hhl"

I just found out about Dr. Lauerman's passing. It's difficult to find the words to express how grateful I am to have known him and to have found him as my surgeon. He did two extremely difficult spinal surgeries on me in November 2009 following a high speed traffic accident that had broken my previous fusions. He was that rare combination of a surgeon with incredible skill matched with enormous compassion. He touched so many lives with his gift. My prayers go out to his family. Sincerely, Liz McLean

Thank you, Dr. Lauerman.

I've been with Dr. Lauerman since I was two years old, and I am now 17. We were in the process of scheduling my second surgery. He was such a great man, and gave me so much hope and encouragement to get through my condition. I grew up with him, and I saw him as a role model. He will be missed greatly. Much love to the Lauermans at this time, and I want to say thank you to him. For all of his hard work and for never giving up on me or any other patient. He was a true inspiration.

May God bless you for all the good works you did while here on Earth! We are so thankful you were there to perform surgery on our grandson. His recovery has been miraculous! Grandparents of Phillip Delcore.

My husband and I send our heartfelt sympathy to each of the Lauerman family members. Dr. Lauerman operated on me in March and April, 2013, & I am now pain free at five months post surgery. I'm so glad I gave him a hug at my August visit, thanking him for his surgical expertise and his many, many kindnesses during my surgeries. He asked that I see him in November. My husband & I shall miss him forever. May perpetual light forever shine upon him, an excellent surgeon and an excellent man.
Mary K. Dittberner, springfield,va

As so many others I will Remmember this kind, gifted surgeon who gave me back my mobility. My condolences to his family.

I did not know Dr. Lauerman, except through my brother, who Dr. Lauerman cared for. My brother will not be limited in life because of Dr. Lauerman's care. As a fellow airman, I am grateful for the service of Dr. Lauermen. May his soul ever soar with angels as he lets slip the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God.

I was so saddened to hear the news of Dr. Lauerman's death. He was recommended to me by my pain management doctor. She shared that he was "second to none" in the field of scoliosis. A broken rod and intense pain led me to Dr. Lauerman. I appreciated his candor and willingness to try other options before surgery. I was scheduled to see him for a follow up after his recommendation for physical therapy. The follow up was to be in November. My prayers are with the Lauerman family that you can find comfort in all of the wonderful things your husband/dad did to help people live productive lives uninhibited by pain. My selfish wish is that I could have benefited from his incredible wisdom and talent. I know you are with God and what a wonderful resting place that is.

Dr. Lauerman and Dr. McGrail performed a two part Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion on me 3 years ago. My spine was a total wreck and the pain had taken a toll on me physically and mentally. They both were so compassionate and understanding of my fear as there were no other options for me. I'll never forget the day of the surgery when Dr. Laureman was walking along beside my gurney as I was being wheeled into the OR and he took my daughter's hand and said "I promise to take care of your mother." A peace came over me that could have only come from God. I know God worked through Dr. Lauerman to heal me. And the next day he came in my room with films of his work and told me "you're bionic now". The past 3 years have been the best in my life. I ran into Dr. Lauerman on August 20th at Georgetown while visiting my sister and he greeted me with a warm & strong handshake and told me he'd see me soon when I came in for my annual checkup which was scheduled for October 2nd. I have and always will pray and thank God for Dr. Lauerman & Dr. McGrail. God gave them a mission and Dr. Lauerman has not disappointed God and I know he is resting in God's arms. To Dr. Lauerman's family I share your grief and I pray to God to grant you peace, love and comfort in the days ahead.

Dr. Lauerman was a strong teacher and wonderful physician. His lecutures to both medical students and residents have helped countless patients across the country. His leadership skills were an example to those around him and his encouragement and support greatly helped many a young orthopaedic surgeons career - including mine. His no nonsense approach to teaching spine was enjoyed by years of orthopaedic residents attending the Colorado Orthopaedic Review course. He was a great guy and his absence will be sorely missed.

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues of Dr. Lauerman -
Writing to you is one of the saddest things I have ever had to do. But I could not let my feelings go unexpressed. To Dr. Lauerman, I was a real risk of a patient. In fact, he was the only surgeon I researched who would undertake operating on me. Last November he, along with Dr. Kalhorn literally gave me my life back. I am upright and pain free after suffering with extreme back issues for years. I went to see Dr. Lauerman for a routine visit about 3 weeks ago. His words to me were "You're doing great! I'll see you in a year!" Now I am saddened by the reality that I will not be able to keep my date with the man who saved my life. I will remember him with great affection always. He was a wonderful, greatly talented, and reassuring surgeon. I will miss him and bless him for the rest of my life. Patti Sowalsky

My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family. Old high school friend. Some great memories.

A beautiful and kind soul taken way too soon. He stayed with us long enough to give us Heidi's miraculous back surgery. God bless you, Dr. Lauerman, and your family. Rest in peace.

Dr. Lauerman operated on our 17 year old daughter in June 2013 for scoliosis. We will never ever be able to thank him for his compassion and skilled hands that has given our daughter a normal life. To his family, our condolences, I hope that you find comfort in knowing what a great, compassionate man he was.

In 2004, my orthopedic surgeon took one look at my x-rays and said, "go see Bill Lauerman at Georgetown. He's the only doctor I know who could possibly help you." Three surgeries and nine years later, I am living testimony to Dr. Lauerman's amazing gift. A month ago after hiking around Roosevelt Island, I actually said out loud, as I often do, "Thank you, Dr. Lauerman." I hope his family will derive some comfort in the knowledge of how very many lives he changed for the better in his short life.

Words can't express my shock when hearing about Dr. Lauerman's passing. He performed surgery on July 2nd for my son, Phillip, and I can't express my gratitude to this brilliant and kind man. God Bless all of Dr. Lauerman's family, I could see that he was a wonderful man to all and undoubtedly loss to the field of medicine.

A great Ridgewood High School and childhood friend who will be sadly missed. Your brilliance, unending sense of humor, and love of life was always an inspiration. My prayers go out to all of your families. You will be greatly missed.