What moment has mattered the most to you during your volunteer journey?
The moment that matters the most during my volunteer journey isn’t just one moment.  It occurs every year at PurpleRideStride when our survivors gather in front of our stage to be recognized.  As a survivor myself, I know how much it means for us to be honored.  Each year we have more survivors, proof that we are creating awareness and progress.

Why did I want to volunteer with PanCAN?
I am one of the lucky ones.  This year, I celebrate 21 years as a survivor and I want others to be able to experience these same survivor milestones.  By volunteering, we have been raising awareness, money and support for this disease which has translated to progress.  I feel it’s the least I can do to give back for the gift of 21 years I’ve been given.

What is your best piece of advice for volunteers in leadership roles? 
My best piece of advice for volunteers in leadership roles is to work as a team, not a silo.  Even though our Minnesota Affiliate has separate leadership roles, we always operate as a team which allows all of us to be successful.

What do I love about my role/affiliate?
The best part of my role as PurpleRideStride Chair is seeing a complex event come together on event day.  Having both a bike ride and a stride, we have a lot of moving parts in our event but with our fantastic volunteer team, each year I am more amazed what small group of volunteers can do!

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I carried the Olympic torch while running a leg of the Olympic Torch Run when Minnesota hosted the Special Olympics.