BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- We’re proud to announce the local Remarkable Women winner for this year's contest! Lauren Williams is a Baton Rouge woman who started a foundation with other families after losing her son to a rare disorder. Williams was shocked when she was surprised by fa mily and friends holding a sign that read four special words: "You’re going to Hollywood." “I'm grateful for this opportunity to be on this kind of platform to get our legacy out and everything we're doing in Louisiana for rare diseases," CureGRIN Foundation Director of Family & Donor Experience Lauren Williams said. Williams lost her only child, Carter, to a rare disorder called GRIN1. She used her pain for something greater when she started an organization with several other families. The organization is committed to improving the lives of people living with GRI Disorders. “Well, it doesn't feel like work to me. I wake up in the mornings and want to do this. It's incredible," Williams said. Although Carter’s life can’t be replaced, Williams said her heart is full knowing CureGRIN is touching many lives across the globe. “He may not be here in body but in spirit, and he's forever loved by so many people," Williams said. Williams gets $1K donation for CureGRIN As our Remarkable Women winner, Williams got a check for $1,000 to continue research efforts for CureGRIN. “We're so proud of everything that you've accomplished and the fact that you're going to represent all of southeast Louisiana as our Remarkable Woman," Louisiana First News General Manager Tim Ingram said. Grateful for the award, she said she lives for the chance to connect with people and continue Carter's legacy. “Thank you guys so much. It's an incredibly emotional moment for me to see how far we've come. But I want to dedicate it all to our kids who are continually fighting and our parents that fight every day and advocate for their kids," said Williams. The date of the awards ceremony has an even more special meaning to Williams since it's on Carter's birthday. She believes it’s all fate. Now she’s left with tears of joy and a suitcase to pack. “That means the world to me. I wish you would’ve known Carter. He’s the catalyst for everything that I do," Williams said. Williams leaves for the Hollywood trip on Sunday, April 13. Map: Remarkable Women winners for 2025 Louisiana First News celebrated Women's History Month by sharing the stories of women who are doing amazing work in the community in the Capital Region. Williams, along with 124 other women from across the country, will travel to California for a few days of fun, networking, and a chance to become the national Remarkable Women winner. The map below shows this year's Remarkable Women winners throughout the U.S. More Remarkable Women in Baton Rouge: Bridget Kaigler hopes to inspire next generation of accountants Sashika Baunchand’s organization mentors young Louisiana girls Paulette Grey juggles family practice and community service Becky Prejean grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses Latest News Republican Jimmy Patronis wins special election for Gaetz's Florida seat Amish buggies targeted in Pennsylvania robbery, attempted robbery Booker sets record for longest Senate speech in history Southern University football has its starting quarterback for spring game 'NYPD Blue' actress Kim Delaney will not face assault charges, DA says ...read more read less