We recently connected with Mallory Delabar and have shared our conversation below.
Mallory, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I wasn’t born an entrepreneur. I didn’t have lemonade stands as a kid or see myself starting a business. My purpose became clear to me when I became a mother. I have four beautiful children, three on earth and one in heaven. Raising them to be good humans, strong and kind, is the most important thing I can do.
In 2018, my life took an unexpected turn when my son Sutton was diagnosed with a rare disease that had no treatment or cure. As a mother, my priority shifted to providing my children with the best life possible for as long as I could. Despite the heartache, being their mom remains the greatest honor and the best experience of my life.
The most profound change came in 2022, when Sutton passed away. The loss was devastating, but it also ignited a desire within me to keep his legacy alive and honor my other children. This led to the creation of a digital medical alert bracelet, Risen Devices, to help kids like Sutton. The device provides parents and caregivers with the confidence that their child’s medical information would be readily available in an emergency.
Later that same year, we received another blow: my youngest son, Bo, was diagnosed with the same rare genetic disease. Losing one child is a nightmare; knowing I would have to walk the same path with another was incomprehensible.
Despite these challenges, my purpose has always been to serve my children well. Through these experiences, I found a deeper purpose in helping others facing similar challenges. I wanted to ensure that no parent feels as alone as I did and to advocate for those who cannot do it for themselves.
Creating Risen Devices became a therapeutic journey for me. Each night, after putting the kids to bed, I poured my grief into the company. I started with small, consistent steps: figuring out how to register the business, teaching myself to code, building a basic website, and finding a manufacturer to turn my design into reality. These habits of perseverance and incremental progress helped channel my loss into something meaningful.
Building this company allowed me to keep speaking about Sutton and advocate for Bo. My other two children, August and Annie, also became involved, helping with packing and shipping products, assisting with ads, and even designing their own bands. This family effort turned our grief into a source of strength and connection.
Through this journey, I discovered my purpose: to serve my children and to support and advocate for families facing similar challenges. This path, though difficult, has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
What excites me most about Risen Devices is the impact we can have on families navigating the complexities of medical conditions. Our product isn’t just a tool; it’s a product that holds vital information that is accessible in emergencies. This can make a crucial difference in the care and safety of the wearer.
We’re continually evolving and expanding our line to include smaller sizes, ensuring that our bracelets are accessible to even the youngest children. Additionally, we’re proud to partner with four nonprofits, aligning our mission with their causes to support the incredible work they are doing. These partnerships not only enhance our reach but also strengthen the community of support available to families in need.
One of the most special aspects of our company is our commitment to accessibility. Our user dashboard, where people can sign up to use our products, will always be free. By removing financial barriers, we aim to ensure that every family, regardless of their economic situation, can benefit from our device.
Looking ahead, I am excited about growing our audience and user base. We are passionate about expanding our impact and continuing to innovate in ways that support and empower families dealing with medical complexities.
Risen Devices is more than just a product based business—it’s a mission to support and advocate for families facing medical challenges. Through innovation, community partnerships, and a commitment to accessibility, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our users. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our story and what drives us forward.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience, Empathy, and Resourcefulness
Resilience allowed me to navigate the profound challenges of losing a child and then facing the same diagnosis with another. This quality kept me moving forward, even when the path was incredibly difficult.
Empathy helped me understand and connect with other parents and caregivers who are in similar situations. It drove me to create a product that truly addresses their needs and provides comfort and support.
Starting a business with no prior experience required me to be resourceful. I had to teach myself new skills, such as coding and business registration, and find creative solutions to problems as they arose.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who can offer emotional and practical support. This network can provide guidance, encouragement, and different perspectives when you need them most.
Stay True to Your Mission: Remember why you started your journey. Your purpose will keep you motivated and focused, even during the toughest times. Keep your mission at the forefront of your decisions and actions.
Be Patient and Persistent: Success rarely comes overnight. Be prepared for setbacks and remain persistent. Consistent effort, even if it feels slow, will eventually lead to progress and achievement.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, we are always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations. At Risen Devices, we believe that collaboration is key to expanding our impact and reaching more families who could benefit from our products.
Who We Are Looking to Collaborate With
Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups:
Description: We are particularly interested in working with nonprofits and advocacy groups focused on children’s health, rare diseases, and family support services. These organizations understand the unique challenges faced by families dealing with medical complexities and can help us reach and support more people.
Healthcare Professionals and Institutions:
Description: Collaborating with healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics is crucial. These professionals can offer valuable insights into patient needs and help integrate our medical alert bracelets into patient care routines, enhancing safety and communication.
Educational Institutions:
Description: Schools and educational institutions are also key partners, as they can help ensure that children with medical conditions are safe and supported during school hours. Collaboration could include training staff on the use of our devices and creating awareness among parents and students.
Community Leaders and Influencers:
Description: Individuals who are influential in their communities or on social media can help spread the word about our mission and products. Their support can raise awareness and encourage more families to benefit from our services.
How to Connect with Us
If you are interested in partnering or collaborating with Risen Devices, we would love to hear from you. Here are a few ways to get in touch:
Email: You can reach us directly at [email protected]
Website: Visit our website at RisenDevices.com
Social Media: Connect with us on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Send us a message, and we will get back to you promptly.
We believe that together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of families dealing with medical complexities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.risendevices.com
- Instagram: @risendevices
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/risen-devices
