With more than $248,919 raised for the Live Like Lou Foundation to date, Laurie and John Roselle—and their exceptional community of friends, family, and fans—have established an endowment with the Live Like Lou Foundation to fund undergraduate neurodegenerative disease research in Indiana. The second Live Like Lou research grant was awarded to Notre Dame student Margaret (Maggie) Rakonick. Maggie did research last summer in Dr. Brian Blagg's lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She has been working on an innovative method to treat neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The first Live Like Lou research grant was made in May of 2023 to Notre Dame student Khang Chau, a junior studying biological sciences with plans to pursue a MD/PhD after graduation. Khang studied in the lab of Cody Smith, whose lab is gaining insights into how diseases manifest themselves in the clinic with important implications to many neurodegenerative diseases.
In September of 2021, Laurie Petrucce Roselle, of Fishers, Indiana, was diagnosed with ALS. After years of giving tirelessly of herself to benefit others, those who knew her are going All in for Laurie to fund research for Lou Gehrig's disease through the Live Like Lou Foundation. "Shortly after Laurie's diagnosis, we connected with the Live Like Lou Foundation," shared John. "Its vision that a cure for ALS can come from new and emerging research resonated with us."
Laurie Roselle was a remarkable woman who made a difference in many people’s lives while shunning the spotlight. Her loyalty to family, friends, sorority and alma mater was as infectious as her smile.
She graduated from Purdue University in 1977, where she joined Delta Gamma Fraternity. She enjoyed a career in the legal community in both Indianapolis and New York City, finishing her career as Director of Legal Services-North America with Clifford Chance LLP.
Laurie’s life included her service with Delta Gamma in numerous advisory and executive positions, including President of the Fraternity and the Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees. Her philanthropic efforts and leadership skills led to her being one of only two Delta Gammas to have received all six of the fraternity’s prestigious awards.
Her eagerness and desire to serve made a profound difference in others’ lives. The many philanthropic efforts she led over the years are too numerous to mention. Her larger-than-life vision and generosity inspired others to contribute on all levels.
Laurie became a Notre Dame fan early in life while attending football games with her father. Her dream to become a “Domer” came true in 1982 when she married John Roselle, a 1975 graduate of Notre Dame. She and John enjoyed Notre Dame football games, visits to campus and many other activities together.
In September 2021, Laurie was diagnosed with ALS, an incurable neurodegenerative disease known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She chose early on to publicly discuss the disease and to share her experience and journey as it rapidly stole her body but not her mind or spirit. She took to social media and told her ALS story to friends and family despite its rapid progression. Sadly, three years after her diagnosis, we lost Laurie to ALS.
John is Laurie’s beloved husband of 42 years and served as her primary caregiver. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, the couple is staunch supporters of the Fighting Irish athletic programs. John is an active member of the Notre Dame Club of Indianapolis, including eight years of service as a member of its board.
"We are grateful that our beloved Notre Dame and its expanding neurosciences department agreed to work with Live Like Lou," shared John. "We hope together that all can be a catalyst for expanding that relationship and find treatments or cures for ALS once and for all," he finished.
An inaugural trivia night fundraiser was held November 18, 2022, with a sold-out crowd at the Woodland Country Club in Carmel, Indiana. This event raised more than $37,000 for Live Like Lou and provided a fun night of friendship, awareness for Lou Gehrig’s disease, and support of Laurie.
The second annual All in for Laurie Trivia Night was held Friday, November 10, 2023. Another sold out crowd at Woodland Country Club raised $71,290! We look forward to the third annual event on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. All proceeds support Live Like Lou’s Laurie and John Roselle Endowed Fund for Scientific Research which funds undergraduate research for ALS and/or neurodegenerative discovery and care.
With additional funds raised, discussions continue to fund additional research grants to other colleges and universities in Indiana. Live Like Lou's primary research priority is to expand the number of researchers seeking treatments or a cure to ALS.
Learn more on how you can support our All in for Laurie Trivia fundraiser.
Looking to support ALS research but can't attend our event? Consider bidding on some incredible items in Live Like Lou's All in for Laurie Trivia Night auction. From sports tickets to jewelry and home goods to luxury vacation home packages, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
View our available auction items.
The auction closes at 8:30 p.m. EST Friday, October 25, and is open to U.S. residents. We're happy to ship this item if you can't join us on Friday!
