After decade of homelessness, six sisters pursue nursing dreams

Six sisters — ages 19 to 25 — from New York have overcome a troubled upbringing and are on the road to becoming nurses.

According to an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Lawrence sisters became homeless in 2013 after their parents lost their home. They survived by going between houses of friends and family members. The constant moving made it difficult for the girls to finish school, so they were enrolled in homeschool instead.

“It was challenging,” Lauren, now 24, told PEOPLE. “There were a lot of very bumpy, depressing times.”

In 2019, all six sisters earned their GEDs and began studying at Nassau Community College. After two years, they enrolled in the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University with plans to attend nursing school.

“I’m so happy they they’ve done this together,” said proud father David. “I always tell them, ‘Life’s not fair. And when it throws you a curveball, you gotta adjust to it and keep going.’”

Having faced — and overcome — more than their fair share of life’s curveballs, the Lawrence sisters credit their strength to faith.

“It’s been quite an adventure,” explained Danielle, 22, “But what really pulled us through is our faith in God and in each other.”