Happy Birthday Lauren Spierer -- Where Are You?

Lauren Spierer would be turning 22 today had she not disappeared over a year ago -- and it's the second birthday that has come to pass since she vanished. The Indiana University coed disappeared in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011 and since then there haven't been very many details leading to a positive direction in her case. Nonetheless, her parents are devoted to finding answers, and they take every opportunity available to them to spread awareness about Lauren's case.

"Today is Lauren's birthday. There will be no gifts mailed to Bloomington, no cake, no candles, no excited anticipation as the celebration of one so loved approaches. We are left only with the gifts the person responsible for Lauren's disappearance has given our family, heartache and loss."

It's indeed been a very emotional ordeal for Rob and Charlene Spierer, who have not hidden their agony since the disappearance of the young woman. So as her 22nd birthday arrives, it's not surprising to see their heartache.

What happened to Lauren Spierer? Is there any chance that she is alive somewhere, knowing that her loved ones are thinking about her on this special day? Or is it more likely that this disappearance is one that will end on the somber note of a fatality? The two year anniversary of her disappearance is just around the corner, five months away. Will officials put an end to these answerless birthdays before then?

Chelsea Hoffman is a candidly opinionated crime analyst with a lifelong interest in criminology and activism. She also owns 'Girl Nerdology' and is the author of several fiction stories. Follow her on Twitter @TheRealChelseaH or email her privately through Chelsea Hoffman: Case to Case.