2026 Ringside for Riley
Join us December 4th at 1:00 PM
at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the
Adult Showmanship contest.
To register for the event, visit indianabeef.org!
Help Ringside for Riley take on the 2026 Indy Gives Challenge!
The Indy Gives Challenge is an annual program that brings the Indianapolis community together to support local nonprofits through a friendly fundraising challenge.
Beginning November 30 through December 10th, you can make your donation for Ringside for Riley directly through our Indy Gives page. Every gift helps Ringside for Riley raise more for Riley kids and families while increasing our opportunity to earn additional donations and prizes through the Indy Gives and Lilly. Check back November 30, make your gift, and help Ringside for Riley rise to the challenge!
DONATION LINK OPENING NOVEMBER 30th!
The fan-favorite Ringside for Riley Cow Shirt is making its 2026 comeback! Join the herd, support Riley kids, and rock this crowd-favorite design. Every shirt helps create brighter futures for children and families across Indiana.
Order Now!
Lauren Kelly
Kokomo Indiana
Lauren’s Riley story is one of strength, determination and overcoming obstacles! In October 2015, Lauren Kelly was a six-year-old first grader when her life took an unexpected turn. What began as an illness became a serious medical crisis when Lauren was diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Her family never learned the source of the E. coli associated with her illness, and an initial misdiagnosis delayed answers because the condition was so uncommon.
Lauren’s journey led her to Riley Children’s Hospital, where she spent a total of six weeks receiving specialized care. When her kidneys failed, the nephrology team became central to her treatment. Under the care of Dr. Khalid and the Riley team, Lauren underwent 24-hour dialysis for 14 days. Her complications didn’t stop there. Lauren developed pancreatitis, which contributed to dangerously high blood pressure and seizures. At just six years old, she faced challenges that no child or family should have to experience. Through it all, the team at Riley cared for Lauren during one of the most difficult chapters of her young life. Today, she has recovered without long-term complications from her illness and is thriving!
Now a high school senior, Lauren is looking ahead to an exciting future. After graduation, she plans to attend college and pursue a career in nursing. Perhaps her own experience receiving specialized medical care has helped shape her desire to one day care for others.
Lauren keeps busy both in and out of the classroom. She plays golf and tennis, participates in FFA, 4-H, and Junior Leaders, and is active in her church youth group. She also has a passion for showing cattle and serves on the Indiana Junior Beef Cattle Association Junior Board.
Today, Lauren is stepping into a new role as a Ringside for Riley judge. Her journey from a six-year-old Riley Kid to a young woman preparing for a future in nursing is a powerful reminder of the impact specialized pediatric care can have on a child’s life. The little girl who once depended on the care of the Riley team is now preparing to make a difference in the lives of others. Through Ringside for Riley, Lauren is helping support the hospital that cared for her and the children and families who will need Riley in the years to come.
Ringside for Riley
Benefiting Riley Children’s Foundation
Ringside for Riley was founded in 2024 by 11-year-old Riley Kid, Cadley Boocher, to give back to the hospital that has given her so much.
Cadley was born with a rare heart defect, Interrupted Aortic Arch, and a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). Thanks to the care and expertise of the Riley team, she is thriving today and able to enjoy the activities she loves.
A passionate cattle exhibitor since age six, Cadley wanted to combine her love of showing cattle with her desire to help other children at Riley. This vision led to the creation of Ringside for Riley and introduced an Adult Showmanship contest at the Hoosier Beef Congress, highlighting Cadley’s innovative approach to fundraising.
From the outset, Cadley intended the event to be more than a personal story. She envisioned Ringside for Riley as a platform to support all children and families on their care journey at Riley.
While she was the first host, Cadley established a model in which a different Riley patient leads the event each year, sharing their medical journey and showcasing the hospital’s extraordinary care teams, clinics, and research programs.
Today, Cadley continues to lead the event through planning, serving as the liaison between Ringside for Riley and the Indiana Beef Congress, and is part of the the selection board for Ringside for Riley Kids each year, ensuring the event remains a meaningful celebration of community, resilience, and giving back.
