Lauren Nelson
Founder at Roar Philanthropy & Mighty Words Bracelet Shop
Inspired by Lauren Nelson’s own journey with childhood cancer, Roar Philanthropy’s mission is simple—to help elevate Wisconsin’s nonprofit organizations through fresh fundraising strategies. Beyond Roar’s philanthropic impact—and the fundraising of over $65,000 for Wisconsin nonprofits since its inception—for every beautiful bracelet sold, the organization also donates one to a critically ill or socially vulnerable child in the state.
What motivates you to pursue this kind of philanthropy? My childhood cancer story is my biggest motivator. I feel that I was given a second chance to live for a reason, and I need to make it count to the absolute fullest because so many are not as fortunate to survive their cancer.
You’re an inspiration to so many — who has most inspired you? This is a hard one to answer in a few sentences. I have so many incredible role models that have inspired me in my life but my mom has probably inspired me most. I feel like that’s such a cliché answer but her strength is unmatched by any hardship in this world, and she always sets out to create kindness in other people’s lives. She held our family together when my sister was diagnosed with cancer and then she did it all again when I was diagnosed with the same cancer seven months later. She has played a large role in the mission of my philanthropic life, even if she doesn’t know it.
Best advice for someone looking to give back and get involved in their community: In a world dominated by social media where it feels that everyone is doing “big” and “perfect” things, it’s easy to feel that what you do isn’t “big” or “good” enough but it is! Kindness is kindness, no matter how big or small so just stay focused on your vision and the love in your heart. As long as you set out to help with the intention of putting others first, your impact will echo in the lives of those you help beyond your own comprehension so just do it! These small steps of kindness are what we need to make the world a better place.
What impact do you most hope to leave on the world? I hope that my philanthropic life inspires others who have been through trauma of any type that it’s never too late to rise above the hurt and harness those feelings to create something good out of it. It took me 20 years after my childhood cancer diagnosis and all of the trauma in between to find my life’s purpose with my philanthropy company. I want everyone to know that being a philanthropist is not about the amount of money in the bank account but it’s rather a state of mind inspired by the kindness and compassion in your heart.