In loving memory of our founder, Lara MacGregor
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our founder, Lara MacGregor. She was surrounded with love from her family when she left us yesterday, on January 18th. Lara was a resilient, brave, and loving soul who inspired thousands with her message of living a hopeful life.
After first being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, Lara was given a box of scarves with a note that read, “You can do this.” After her treatment, she then passed the same scarves on to another woman with words of encouragement. Hope Scarves was born.
Since its founding in 2012, Hope Scarves has sent more than 20,000 scarves to people in every state and 29 countries, who are facing more than 90 different types of cancer. With the news of Lara’s metastatic diagnosis in 2014, Hope Scarves has also raised over $1.5 million to further metastatic breast cancer research. Lara continued inspiring others through A Hopeful Life, an extension of Hope Scarves, where she shared her journey through blog posts, a podcast, and more.
In addition to creating connections across the globe through Hope Scarves and A Hopeful Life, Lara loved creating memories with Team Mac – her husband and two boys. She loved to spend time cheering on their sons at sports games, reading and writing at her family farm, and spending time outdoors. Each summer, she enjoyed living life to the fullest with family and friends by her side in the great Lake Michigan waters – her home and happy place. Lara never took a second for granted and was always willing to jump in and get her hair wet.
Although Lara’s time on earth was short, her memory and legacy live on within us. She taught us how to hold joy and fear in the same hand at the same time, to live a great story, and to always hope.
She was only 45. Her wish was always to love your family, love your friends, and live life to the fullest. Arrangements are pending. While we want to honor Lara, we also want to give family and close friends the time to heal and reflect. We will celebrate her amazing life soon. Please be patient with us as we try to navigate the days ahead.
Always, always hope.
With Love, The Hope Scarves Team
L’Oréal Paris – Women of Worth
2021 National Honoree!
Our founder, Lara MacGregor, is honored to be recognized as the 2021 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree – acknowledging her work to start and lead Hope Scarves!
L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth, recognizes the philanthropic achievements of ten non-profit leaders from across the nation who bring to life the brand’s signature tagline, “Because You’re Worth It” by making meaningful change that addresses some of society’s most pressing issues. Thanks to your votes, we earned the National Honoree title, as well as a total of $45,000 to support our mission!
Hope Scarves Founder, Lara MacGregor, featured on Good Morning America!
Katie – Terminally Joyful
/2 Comments/in Faces of Hope /by Lara MacGregorKatie lives her life through a joy lens. Not because her life is perfect. But because it is fragile and precious. As a metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patient she lives with immense uncertainty and the prospect of never ending treatments. Yet she isn’t letting this drag her into darkness. She chooses to live her life […]