Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Lequin.
Hi Nikki, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My husband and I created Life’s Big Adventures in 2021 to honor the memory of our late daughter – Taylor “T.J.” Lequin. Despite dealing with many medical complexities, Taylor loved to live BIG – the bigger the adventure, the better. By founding the nonprofit, we hoped to give persevering kids opportunities to create lasting memories on their own adventures. The mission of Life’s Big Adventures is to celebrate kids’ and teens’ medical milestones by funding vacations and providing admission to special events for remarkable children and their families. These adventures allow kids the opportunity to enjoy a fun, meaningful experience while acknowledging a recent medical victory. Their triumphs can range from milestones – such as completing chemotherapy, receiving great news from scans, or recovering from major surgery – to achievements like meeting therapy goals or undergoing new treatment to gain more precious time. Through Taylor’s journey, we found that recognizing accomplishments, whether large or incremental, along the way was so important to our family. She loved nothing more than celebrating a met goal or recovery with an adventure – which is what led us to form L.B.A.
It has been less than a year since our first “adventurer” and his family attended the Harry Styles concert in November 2021, and the initial response to Life’s Big Adventures has surpassed what we could have hoped. With the generosity of our supporters and welcoming community partners we have sent inspiring kids on beach getaways, assisted in creating a special Disneyland experience for a cancer warrior, sent numerous music-loving teens to concerts, provided a Slumber Spa Party, and more. In Nashville, we had the opportunity to work with the Middle Tennessee chapter of HopeKids to send young sports fans to a Vanderbilt Baseball game and a Nashville SC match. And we look forward to increasing our presence in Tennessee later this year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a smooth start, overall, for our nonprofit. I never cease to be amazed by the generosity of others – even in the midst of difficult times for so many. The assistance of friends, family, and colleagues to propel our initial efforts has been so impactful.
Also, the leaders of fellow community nonprofits and medical centers in both Nashville and Phoenix have been incredibly welcoming. Their guidance has allowed us to “hit the ground running.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Life’s Big Adventures is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization created to celebrate kids’ medical milestones by funding vacations and providing admission to special events for persevering children and their families.
The most rewarding part of organizing these adventures for kids who have been through a challenging medical condition or event is to hear about the memories made as a family during a vacation or experience. These trips can be a time to reconnect and just enjoy the moment together. With each new memory created, the difficult times blur a bit. And there is nothing better for a parent than watching your child experience joy.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’m constantly reminded that small gestures can make a huge impact. Having the opportunity to see how little acts of kindness can snowball and make a very real difference on a personal level, renews my gratitude – in all aspects of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: LifesBigAdventures.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesbigadventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifesBigAdventure
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BigAdventures_
