When Lauren LaMar decided to take part in one of most challenging experiences of her life, she did so for a reason. 

“My mom had breast cancer and a friend of mine passed away from pediatric cancer when I was in high school,” she said. 

That’s why LaMar, a senior majoring in environmental sciences at the University of Missouri, became a fighter for Mizzou’s Fight Night for Pediatric Cancer Research. It’s a student-run organization that hosts an annual philanthropy kickboxing event to raise money for children with cancer.  

“I thought, ‘Oh this is very important to me. I’ll just apply,’” she said. 

Out of 200 applicants, LaMar was one of just 20 students chosen to become a fighter. 

“I was shocked,” she said. “I had no idea what to expect.” 

Training for the biggest trial of her life 

Growing up as a swimmer, LaMar has been an athlete for her entire life. But she said nothing compared to the intensity of training for a kickboxing match.  

“Getting punched in the face for the first time, it’s really interesting,” said LaMar with a laugh. “I have never done anything like that.” 

LaMar began training in January with the other student fighters three times a week, spending hours in the gym.  

“We had seven weeks to train, which is not much time at all,” she said. 

In preparation for the actual fight night, which took place March 7 at the Hearnes Center, LaMar went through a rollercoaster of physical and mental challenges.  

“It was really interesting to learn how to still your body when you’re in fight or flight mode,” she said. “You have to accept it and learn how to take those hits, and that is a lot of mental strength.” 

The experience that really gave LaMar the grit and determination to fight was visiting pediatric cancer patients at University Hospital.  

“I got to meet Margot, who is one of our fighter families,” LaMar said. “We sponsored them and the money we raised went directly to them for their treatment.” 

Lamar got to spend time with Margot and get to know her through making artwork together. She said the interaction opened her eyes to why she signed up for the fight in the first place. 

“Seeing her so happy and positive during something that most people won’t go through is so inspiring,” LaMar said. “When I’m going through these hard things, let me compare them to that. Let me reverse that narrative and be grateful for where I’m at.” 

Fighting for success in and out of the ring 

Standing in the tunnel, hearing the crowd roar and seeing other fighters take hit after hit in the ring were LaMar’s final surroundings before her match.  

“I wasn’t so much afraid of the ‘everybody’s watching me’ part, but more of the ‘I want to perform well and show the training I’ve worked so hard for,’” she said.  

But walking out of the tunnel when it was her turn to fight was an unforgettable experience for LaMar, giving her the energy and encouragement she needed. 

“As much as it was terrifying, it was also incredible,” she said. “I will remember it for the rest of my life.” 

After three rounds of fighting and pushing through physical and mental exhaustion, LaMar won her match. But for her, this journey wasn’t about winning. It was about the invaluable lessons she learned from the experience.  

“You can do hard things, even though your brain may be telling you that you can’t,” LaMar said. “I think that’s especially applicable in the sense of my future and finding a career.” 

LaMar is now preparing to take the next step in her life after graduation. She hopes to land a job working on sustainability practices for large corporations. 

Even though her physical fight is over, LaMar will always remember her purpose behind the challenge.  

“I didn’t put myself through the ringer for me, I did it to raise money for the kids who didn’t get a choice to fight,” she said. “I did get a choice. And I’m honored I got to step up to the challenge to do something bigger than myself.”