Lauren Shevchek
“I feel so blessed to be in our community and all the connections I’ve made because you can’t do this alone.”
We were thrilled that our press outreach for client Ambassador Lauren Shevchek resulted in meaningful media coverage in her home area leading up to her 11th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser on July 21, 2025.
The article described 31-year-old Lauren as “inviting yet assertive – determined but humble. She is quick with a joke, an engaging storyteller, and a grateful audience.”
As a Penn State World Campus student with a double major in strategic communications and psychology, Lauren keeps her plate full with modeling, acting, and choir – not to mention ongoing rehabilitation twice per week and home workouts to maintain her health.
Lauren is open about the emotional, physical, and financial roller coaster of life after injury. Following a paralyzing dive, she experienced the challenges of being a young adult seeking independence but suddenly dependent on others for health and care. Lauren’s mom, Janice, became her full-time caregiver.
“You think you know what your life is going to be and all of that is ripped out from under you in a split second. You are forced to rethink what your life is going to be like.”
Advocacy is a constant part of her life – both on her own behalf and to support the wider disability community. She is working to create a virtual university community for students with disabilities. She’s also a dedicated Ambassador for Help Hope Live. Fundraising with us has been a part of her life for the past 12 years.
“It’s all about ultimately getting people the assistance they need to live the healthiest, most accessible life,” explained Lauren:
“That’s why I’m so happy to be linked to Help Hope Live…so many people don’t know about the opportunities available through the nonprofit.”
Surrounding her family at a time of overwhelming need was “Lauren’s Angels” – the nickname Janice and Lauren have given to the “generous and goodhearted people” who have rallied around her cause over the past 12 years.
