LINCOLN COUNTY – Part of the reason Lauren Brohammer became a nurse was to try improve the lives of the patients she serves. But an idea she had been nurturing for some time takes her passion for heath and helping patients to new heights.

Earlier this year, she started a nonprofit called Eggs for Life which strives to benefit dialysis patients with delivery of farm fresh eggs.

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact nutrition can have on my patients’ health and well-being,” Brohammer said. “I started by bringing eggs from my own flock to share and it grew into something much bigger thanks to generous donors and a whole lot of community support.”

According to Brohammer, eggs are considered a protein-rich food source which is imperative for dialysis patients for overall health and critical for maintaining muscle mass. Eggs are also essential for healing and for keeping albumin levels healthy.

“Farm-fresh eggs are also more nutrient-rich than store-bought eggs, which can be up to 60 days old before they even hit the shelves. Fresh eggs mean more of the good stuff, and a whole lot more flavor,” she said.

Since starting her nonprofit, Brohammer has been able to help nearly 200 dialysis patients via three medical clinics in Troy, Wentzville, and St. Charles. Brohammer hopes to expand Eggs for Life by adding more clinics throughout the state. She is also currently exploring satellite sites with the ultimate goal of having Eggs for Life in all dialysis clinics that would want one.

The process to sign up is quick and easy for dialysis patients.

“They can either let their dialysis clinic staff know or drop their name in our Eggs for Life name box at the clinic,” Brohammer said. “From there, we add them to our distribution list. Eggs are delivered directly to the clinic and handed out after treatment, so they go right from our hands to theirs.”

For Brohammer, the nonprofit isn’t just about helping improve the life of patients, it’s also about bringing patients together.

One of Brohammer’s favorite memories so far included bringing an incubator to the clinic where patients could watch chicks hatch over a three week period. She says that peaked curiosity and initiated numerous conversations and also improved treatment attendance.

“I’ve always loved caring for patients, but this adds a whole new layer of connection,” Brohammer said. “Delivering eggs isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about showing up with something tangible that says, ‘Someone cares about you.’ The smiles, the stories, and the gratitude make every egg collection worth it.”