Piper's Promise Foundation

Lauren has the honor of being Piper's Mommy, a title unmatched by any other. When Piper arrived on June 17th, 2013, Lauren's world circled around Piper, as she brought an unparallelled amount of joy, laughter, love, beauty and kindness to their entire family. When Piper was diagnosed with a rare immune deficiency, requiring a bone marrow transplant, at the age of two, the fight to find her a cure, a match and a healthy future began. The search for the best healthcare for Piper brought her family to Cincinnati, where they continued to build a beautiful life watching their amazing daughters, Piper and her best friend and little sister Lorelai grow, create forever memories and advocate fiercely for their one-of-a-kind and endlessly courageous transplant warrior. To say Lauren was proud of Piper would be an understatement. She admired Piper's positivity, alongside her ability to always find the good in every person and situation, live every moment to the fullest, and her motivation to always help others. When Piper passed away in 2022, it brought an unimaginable pain and heartache that Lauren struggles with every day, and she will forever hold on to the unwavering bond that she and Piper shared. Piper had a dream to help other children and families like hers, and Lauren is honored to continue Piper's mission to help the many families who are fighting healthcare battles stay together through every step of their journey. Piper created an inspiring legacy, that exemplifies the true power, strength and determination that comes from someone as brave, gracious, loving and kind as her. Lauren feels blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by Piper, who at only 9 years old, left such an immense, beautiful and incredible impact in the hearts of anyone who met her. Lauren will continue Piper's mission, proudly having the privilege of carrying on her daughter's foundation, striving always to 

keep Piper's promise.

Robert, better known as Bobby to others, was Piper's Daddy. Piper was a Daddy's girl and she loved spending time with him, watching sports, learning how to build things from furniture to kitchens and how to ride a bike, but she learned most of all, that there was nothing in the world he wouldn't have done her. Bobby had immense admiration of Piper, and her strength to stay positive no matter the situation, her compassion, and her ability to be a continuous beacon of light, hope and determination to anyone who knew her. Bobby and Piper shared a bond filled with trust, laughter, love and incredible adventures that he carries with him every day, never taking for granted the amazing memories he will be forever thankful for. It came as no surprise to Bobby when Piper wanted to create a foundation for children, who like her, were battling life-threatening illnesses, that will work to provide help, so families can stay together when they need each other the most. He was so proud of who Piper was, a genuinely kind, caring, empathetic and courageous person, who above all, showed him what it means to be a real-life superhero. Bobby will always cherish the time he had with Piper, wishing each day that they had more and remembering her infectious smile that brought him so much happiness and comfort. Alongside Lauren and their youngest daughter Lorelai, who mirror's Piper's positive and loving spirit, he will work to ensure her mission to help so many is heard, and keep his promise to grow this foundation, in honor of 

Piper and her extraordinary dream.

 Sandra Mooney is Piper’s Great Aunt, however with the bond they shared it felt like Piper was another granddaughter to her. Piper was Sandra’s whole heart and she loved her to the moon and back. The best gift Piper ever gave her was the title of GiGi. Piper was truly one of a kind, an old soul and would make everyone smile as she lit up any room she walked into! Piper loved wholeheartedly, made meaningful connections with everyone she met, had high empathy and wanted to make a difference. Sandra joins our team to help fulfill Piper’s promise, making sure everyone will know she was, and that she will never be forgotten. Sandra’s goal is to help heal her broken heart by spreading the pure love and kindness of Pipers. 

Audrey Brinkman is Piper’s second cousin; however, their relationship was more like Aunt and Niece. Audrey called Piper her little sidekick from the day she was born. They had sleepovers, did Disney day trips, and always had the most fun together. Audrey has always been inspired by Piper’s heart of gold and pure kindness and joins our team to help fulfill her promise to help other children and their families. Audrey’s goal is to spread the same light and joyfulness that came so naturally to Piper and help bring relief to families, just like hers, going through the unimaginable. 

 Jessi Awalt is Vanessa’s best friend and has always been considered a member of the family, and she witnessed Piper’s strength through the years. Piper and Jessi shared their love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and although rooted for different teams, hockey as well. Jessi has always admired how Piper was so happy and full of laughs through the hardest times and still wanted to help other families like her own so they could be by their kids’ side. Jessi is a Registered Nurse and is committed to carrying out Piper’s Promise to help lessen the burden for families so their primary focus can be on their children through these tough times.

Mary Otazo is Piper's Cha-Cha and our co-founder, Lauren Schmiedl's mom. From the day Mary held her first granddaughter in her arms, she has loved her with every piece of her heart. Piper always inspired Mary with her endless positivity, kindness, strength, determination and incredible ability to live every day to its fullest. As she watched Piper grow, they formed an undeniable bond, filled with joy, trust, laughter and love, one so special, as it mirrored the relationship with her daughter. Mary carries Piper in her heart each day, holding close every memory, celebrating the life and legacy of her beautiful granddaughter. Mary is honored to be a part of Piper's Promise and the opportunity to help so many deserving families, in the pursuit of making Piper's dream come true. Nothing will ever be able to heal her broken heart since Piper gained her wings, but Mary will make sure the world always remembers her beautiful granddaughter, hero and angel, Piper.

Aryn is Piper’s second cousin and wishes that she and her daughter, Elle, could have more time with her. They would often FaceTime and Elle would love to mail art to her at the hospital. Piper was a special little girl whose spirit radiated joy. We think of Piper every time we see a rainbow in the sky or when a butterfly passes by - Elle always yells “Hi Piper!”. Aryn is honored to be a promise keeper and hopes to use her background in marketing and event planning to make this event a success so we can fulfill Piper’s wish of helping other families, just like hers.

Lorelai is Piper's sister, best friend, biggest fan and advocate. Since the day Lorelai was born, she and Piper were linked, they were the epitome of two peas in a pod. As many shared a bond with Piper, the one she shared with Lorelai was without comparison. No matter the situation, these two incredible girls protected each other, stood up for one another and were each other's hero's. Together they went on adventures and made memories filled with laughter, love, fun, compassion and strength. Lorelai looked up to Piper, admiring her courage, determination and positive outlook, always saying she wanted to be just like her sister. Lorelai was six when Piper gained her wings, but not a day goes by without her talking about how much she loves and misses her sissy and works hard every day to make her proud. Lorelai, much like Piper, has always wanted to help those in need and is so excited to be a part of this foundation that is honoring Piper's mission to provide hope and help to families like hers. Lorelai carries Piper in heart with each passing day and is proud to walk in her sister's footsteps, inspired by Piper's grace, joy, strength and dream to make a positive impact on the lives of others, empowering Lorelai to shine as bright as the stars, as Piper always said she did. 

Vanessa Scott is Piper's second cousin; however, their relationship had such a special bond she was more like a niece. As the youngest of the family up until that point, Vanessa was excited to finally have another baby around that she could help take care of, and from the day Vanessa learned of Piper, she immediately felt an exceptional connection to her. As Piper grew, Vanessa became her nanny, creating a special bond that only grew stronger every day. Piper's ability to see the good in everyone and everything was always an inspiration for Vanessa. Her kind nature and natural willingness to care for all things always shined through every dark day no matter the circumstance. Vanessa joins our team to continue to spread kindness and to keep Piper's promise to help families in need. Vanessa's goal is to ensure everyone she meets knows all about Piper and her Promise.