Lauren was first diagnosed with cancer when she was fourteen years old. She had just started her freshman year at Lawrence North in Indianapolis. Her cancer was a very rare sarcoma. Through treatment, Lauren’s cancer went into remission two different times but each time she relapsed within a year. Lauren had 8 surgeries, 25 radiation treatments, 2 rounds of immunotherapy, and too many rounds of chemotherapy to count. Despite everything Lauren went through, she lived life to the fullest. Lauren was smart, sassy, confident and fun. Lauren always stood up for what she believed, and we knew she was going to change the world for the better.

In March of 2021, Lauren became very ill, and we realized she could no longer tolerate additional treatment for her cancer. After emergency surgery, Lauren spent over a month at Riley Hospital, and we worked very closely with the Palliative Care team. The team managed Lauren’s pain and helped us bring Lauren home to be with her family and friends. Lauren lived on home hospice for four months and during that time, the Palliative Care team cared for Lauren’s physical and emotional needs. They helped us walk Lauren to her death with both grace and dignity. Lauren passed away on July 23rd, 2021. She was 19 years old.

 Join us in-store as we celebrate Lauren's life and raise funds for the Pediatric Palliative Care Program as chosen by Lauren's family. In her memory, the LoloStrong Lion Charm was selected to embody Lauren's one-of-a-kind spirit. Starting on November 17th, 50% of all sales from the charm nationwide will be donated in support of the important work the Palliative Care team does everyday to ensure patient and family experiences, needs, and emotions are top of mind. 

During the event on November 17th, 20% of all in-store purchases will be donated! Supporters will also be able to shop from home with code GIVEBACK-AQRHH on November 17th and November 18th. When applied at checkout, 20% of proceeds will also benefit the Pediatric Palliative Care Program at Riley Children's.

Riley Pediatric Palliative Care (PaCT) team was originally founded in 2014 and has grown their services exponentially over the last 7 years, now completing almost 3,000 clinical visits per year and seeing 350 new patient consults per year. Their team covers Riley Hospital for Children, IU North & Methodist hospitals, with services ranging from inpatient units to outpatient services. Their mission is to help patients and families live the best quality of life possible in the face of life-limiting or life-threatening medical conditions. Their team consists of 3 doctors, 2 advance practice nurses, 1 social worker, as well as clinical and administrative supports. Led by Adam B. Hill, MD, Division Chief, the Pediatric Palliative Care team assists patients and families by offering a personalized approach to care, through individualized treatment plans, assisting in complicated symptom management, and offering guidance in advance-care planning and end-of-life/hospice care when appropriate.