We welcome Karen Locke as the new President of ALARM in July at the 2023 ALARM National Conference. One of her first tasks in preparation for her role, was to choose the charity for the 2023 raffle at the ALARM Risk Awards dinner.
Karen has chosen to support the Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation, which is close to her heart.
Lauren Currie, the daughter of a childhood friend of Karen, had just turned 15-years-old when she died from what’s now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangitis, a form of vasculitis. Had her symptoms been recognised in time, her illness could have been treated.
The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation (LCTF) was set up in her memory by her parents, Adrienne and Grant. The charity raises awareness of vasculitis and supports those with the condition through support groups, residential wellbeing events and a respite lodge, the Twilight Cabin.
Patients with vasculitis undergo treatment with steroids and chemotherapy-type drugs. There is no cure, but patients can reach a state of remission, with the disease flaring periodically. The disease impacts greatly on the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of patients. LCTF also provides counselling, employment law advice and volunteers who respond to patient enquiries.
There is no sorrow more deep than losing a child, let alone your only child. This was Adrienne and Grant’s experience in 2010 when their daughter Lauren died from a form of vasculitis. Adrienne and I became the best of friends during our teenage years. I was so saddened by this tragedy, but in equal measure impressed at how, despite their grief, they established the Foundation as a legacy for Lauren and an essential support for families whose lives are impacted by vasculitis. Please join me in supporting this worthy cause.
Karen Locke, President-Elect, ALARM
Members and sponsors will have the opportunity to donate to this worthwhile charity at the Risk Awards dinner on Monday 3 July during the President’s charity raffle.