Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation

09/24/2026

While at Rapides Regional Medical Center speaking at Sudden Impact Louisiana, I was lucky enough to run into Alexander, our 3rd Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation scholarship recipient from the NSU Nursing- CENLA Campus. Loved getting to see him in the hospital, learning and getting ready to take care of us one day! 🩺💜

This is a result of the sponsorships, donations, and participants of the LV5K. Thank you Central Louisiana for being a part of making our healthcare system a better place!

09/22/2026

Orders are officially open for our Butterfly Effect t-shirts and sweatshirts supporting the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation! 🦋💜

When we lost Lauren at 22 to a preventable impairment crash, our world shattered. But through the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation, we are determined to create a different kind of ripple—a butterfly effect of safety, awareness, and life-saving choices.

Every single dollar raised from these shirts and sweatshirts will go directly toward providing free race entries for high school drivers and students who complete the Sudden Impact program. Your support helps keep these young drivers engaged in safe, positive, and healthy community events.

Important Details:
🗓️ Deadline: All orders must be placed by October 30th at midnight so we can get them printed and shipped in time!
🛒 How to Order: Click the link below to grab yours.
Let's wear Lauren's memory loud, protect our local high schoolers, and spread a positive ripple effect through our community. Thank you all so much for continuing to stand by our family and honor Lauren. 🤍
🔗 https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/LA/Alexandria/LV5K

08/25/2026

Our community completely crushed the last race, and we are still in awe of last year’s custom medal featuring Lauren’s nursing notebook sundoodle! 💜🦋 As we look forward to the upcoming race on March 27, 2027, we need your help. Last year's design was incredibly special, and we want to keep that meaningful momentum going. Drop a comment below and tell us: What meaningful elements or symbols would you love to see featured on the next finisher medal? 👇

08/07/2026

💜 Here’s our 3rd Lauren Vaughn Memorial Scholarship recipient, Alexander, learning all the things at the NSU Nursing- CENLA Campus! We will continue to cheer him on during his journey as a future healthcare worker! This is how your sponsorships and donations help our organization right here in Central Louisiana. 🩺

08/05/2026

Great job to these NSU Nursing- CENLA Campus seniors on their community project. Love that we can see Jesci, our 2nd scholarship recipient, doing great stuff in our community! This is just one of the reasons that we work hard to raise money for the future of healthcare right here at home!💜🧡🩺

NATCHITOCHES – Senior Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at Northwestern State University's Cenla campus connected people experiencing homelessness in downtown Alexandria with information about local resources while gaining experience

07/20/2026

🚨The recent headlines have been a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by impairment. From tragic losses to life-altering injuries, the impact on our communities is profound and far-reaching.

It is during these difficult times that we must come together to advocate for change and support one another. That is why we are more committed than ever to gearing up for the LV5K.

Let’s turn our awareness into action. Please mark your calendars and join us as we run for a safer future. 💜🦋

📅 Save the Date: March 27, 2027

07/17/2026

Happy Friday from the LV5K crew! ☀️

05/28/2026

🎉 Big day at the NSU Cenla Campus!

We were honored to present a check alongside the President of NSULA, the incredible nursing staff, alumni, and development teams. Most importantly, we got to celebrate two amazing Lauren Vaughn Memorial Scholarship recipients, Jesci and Alexander! 🤩

✨During the presentation, we shared a core mission of the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation:
1️⃣ Make a Plan
2️⃣ Have a Sober Driver
3️⃣ Get Home Safe.

We are so proud to partner with NSU Nursing- CENLA Campus and NSULA College of Nursing and School of Allied Health to support these students and help our community build the future of nursing. Thank you to everyone who comes together to back our vision. Lives depend on it! 💜🏥

04/19/2026

🌟 After a short break following the LV5K, I wanted to take a moment to address a question we've received frequently from our new participants: Why the butterflies?

✨ After Lauren's tragic passing, we were determined to spread awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. This issue doesn't just affect one person; it can involve many more lives. Every decision we make impacts not only our own lives but also everyone associated with us.

🦋Our mission to honor Lauren's story has come to be known as the Butterfly Effect — LV's Story. Butterflies represented a special passion for Lauren, inspired by her entomology class at LSUA.

💜Through Lauren's story, our call to action is clear: Make a plan, have a sober driver, and get home safe. No more victims.

👕If you see shirts and sweatshirts with this logo, you will know the why behind it. By making a donation to the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation, you can receive one of these shirts/sweatshirts and help us raise awareness. I'll be opening up another round of orders until May 3rd. You can click here to see the available options. There will be a two-week turnaround time for orders once placed. https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/LA/Alexandria/LV5K

Together, we can make a difference! 🦋

04/09/2026

We loved our balloon arch!!!💜