We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Daniels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea to start a nonprofit from my own experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. At the time of my diagnosis, my three children ranged in age from 1 to 11. I realized that a cancer diagnosis is never welcome at any age or stage of life. Being a mom with cancer comes with many more obstacle. Moms do not have the luxury of taking time off for even the common cold, let alone taking the time for surgery recovery and treatment from cancer. I felt so grateful for such an amazing support system and knew in my heart I wanted to do something to make the journey easier for other mothers diagnosed with cancer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 35 I had no idea that it would lead me to my life’s work. Founding a nonprofit came with its own set of challenges. As a survivor it is often not easy to live in a world that is surrounded by cancer on a daily basis. I learned how to work on the parts of the organization that best fit my skill set and put others in place to work more closely with the moms such as our Patient Navigator and HEALing House Director. The work that HEAL does is so meaningful and is accomplished by a small group of dedicated individuals. Any donation to the organization is the shortest distance between the donor and the person that needs it the very most.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely love everything about living in Scottsdale from going to the Scottsdale Quarter or Kierland. A favorite is lunch at Flower Child or on the patio at Greyhawk Country Club, and end the day with a guacamole cheese crisp and margarita from Los Olives in Old Town Scottsdale. Scottsdale has so many fun events like the Waste Management Open, the Arabian Horse Show, Barrett Jackson Auction and Spring Training Games. I recently moved to a home in Scottsdale with horse property where we house a mini pig and two mini horses for HEAL so honestly, that is currently my favorite place to be!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so thankful to the Happily Ever After League (HEAL) Board, Staff and volunteers for believing in the mission t support moms through cancer recovery. HEAL would not be what it is today, 17 years later without the love and support shown from the many individuals who have dedicated their time to this cause.

Website: www.happilyeverafterleague.org

Instagram: Happily Ever After League

Facebook: Happily Ever After League

Image Credits
Pictures in Pixels AZ

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