Lauren Kennedy knows all too well the impact cancer has on a family. Both her parents were cancer survivors who instilled in her and her sisters the importance of showing up and making a difference.
“I volunteer for St. Jude because of my parents,” said Kennedy. “I love children and the amazing work St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is doing in cancer research. This is a place I can honor my parents in my giving.”
As a Tri-Delta alumni, Kennedy volunteered throughout her college career, raising money for the kids of St. Jude. Upon graduation, she began working for Target, a national St. Jude supporter.
“I’ve always been focused on volunteerism and decided to sign up for Target’s St. Jude Walk/Run Twin Cities team. It was at that event that I met Debbie Witschen. After the walk, I knew I had to do more.”
Debbie Witschen is a St. Jude mom from Minnesota. Her son, Dylan, underwent treatment at St. Jude for two different types of brain cancer. Dylan passed away in 2010 at 16 years old.
“I was so inspired by Debbie,” said Kennedy. “I knew the impact that St. Jude had on her family. It was eye opening that right next door a peer of mine had been directly impacted by St. Jude. [Through supporting St. Jude] we are helping our neighbors.”
Lauren began volunteering and leading events across Minnesota for St. Jude. From chairing the St. Jude Ride & 5K Run Featuring Ryan Dungey and Friends to leading volunteers for the St. Jude Walk/Run Twin Cities, Kennedy has played numerous roles in developing the St. Jude community in Minnesota and connecting people to the mission of St. Jude.
“Through being involved with St. Jude, I learned how to fundraise, how to make the ask of my network. It’s been so fun to see my St. Jude network grow and my family and friends leading the way.”
Through volunteering with St. Jude, Lauren found community that she has always valued.
“I love that St. Jude emphasizes community. The fact that they share their research freely. All ships rise with the tides. When St. Jude wins, every children’s hospital is winning.”
She’s found unexpected connections in those who support her fundraising efforts.
“I am always surprised by the people that raise their hands to support. It’s an indescribable feeling.”
Lauren’s volunteerism with St. Jude has evolved over the years. She now supports the Ryan Dungey Foundation, which benefits St. Jude and another kid-focused nonprofit.
“Through the Ryan Dungey Ride & 5K, Ryan and I developed a quick friendship and discovered that we had very similar values. … We had the opportunity to expand the platform of connections for St. Jude.”
Throughout every phase of her life – “from spending nights planning St. Jude events to finishing the St. Jude Walk/Run at the 50-yard line at Target Field with my dad, who had just beat cancer” – Lauren reflects there’s always been a place for her at St. Jude.
Participating in the St. Jude Walk/Run has become a tradition for Lauren and her family.
“It’s really cool that my family is able to support another family. However you choose to give back, I am cheering you on.”
