MILWAUKEE — Getting a workout in is a must for Lauren Nelson. She says it’s for her physical and mental health. Nelson also bounces ideas off of her coach, Lisa Martin who is the owner of Solful Fitness in Brown Deer.

It was there, where Nelson began working on her passion project, Roar Philanthropy. 

“Over the last two years, Roar Philanthropy has either raised or consulted in the fundraising for over $100,000 of funds for nonprofits,” said Nelson. 

Her philanthropy does several things. One is to help nonprofits elevate their fundraising strategies. Another is working with critically ill or socially vulnerable children in the community.

“Watching her find her passion and making them into a difference is amazing,” Martin said.

The passion project didn’t just come over night. It stems back from her childhood. 

“My sister Sarah, she is younger and was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor, which is a cancer of the kidneys at age three,” said Nelson. 

Just seven months later to the date, she was diagnosed with the same cancer when she was six-years-old. 

“We both were in stage 2 cancer,” Nelson said. “So our tumors were thankfully not life-threatening.”

Both recovered, but it caused deep mental pains of survivor’s guilt, leading her into a depression. 

“It just got to be too much,” said Nelson. “Only July 7 of 2020, I was ready to take my life.” 

In that moment of despair, she chose to live. Nelson said not being here is not the answer. 

“Roar Philanthropy was made from the pain I felt,” said Nelson. “It was just all this pain that came out. I said, ‘How can I help others and it was by getting those engaged?’” 

She said the growth of her philanthropy and working out with Martin has not only improved her mental health but shows how far she’s come. 

To learn more about Roar Philanthropy, click here.