Volunteer Highlight – Dani Thornton, PurpleStride Chair, Central Florida Affiliate
What moment has mattered the most to you during your volunteer journey?
The moment that has mattered the most to me during my volunteer journey was last month when my best friend texted me that her grandpa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This was my first experience knowing anyone affected by the disease and it lit a fire under me. Her grandpa only lived 6 days after his diagnosis, which is absolutely unacceptable. Holding my friend while she cried at his funeral was my moment that I knew I needed to demand better.
Why did you want to volunteer with PanCAN?
I’ve always loved working with nonprofits, whether the cause was a personal one to me or not. Originally, I volunteered to gain more experience in event planning while doing some good. However, after I saw how aggressive pancreatic cancer is and how quickly it can take someone, I’m fueled to help.
What is your best piece of advice for other new volunteers in leadership roles?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help—even if you think it’s going to make you sound inexperienced. Everyone I’ve met has been so willing to help me out or give me advice!
What one thing is your affiliate working on that is exciting or that you would like to share with your fellow volunteer leaders in other affiliates?
I’m so excited that we officially have all of our chair positions filled! We just had our PurpleStride Kickoff meeting and I am so pumped to get down to business.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
People may be surprised to learn I went to 10 different schools between Pre-K and 12th grade. I was an army brat, so we moved around a lot!
The moment that has mattered the most to me during my volunteer journey was last month when my best friend texted me that her grandpa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This was my first experience knowing anyone affected by the disease and it lit a fire under me. Her grandpa only lived 6 days after his diagnosis, which is absolutely unacceptable. Holding my friend while she cried at his funeral was my moment that I knew I needed to demand better.
Why did you want to volunteer with PanCAN?
I’ve always loved working with nonprofits, whether the cause was a personal one to me or not. Originally, I volunteered to gain more experience in event planning while doing some good. However, after I saw how aggressive pancreatic cancer is and how quickly it can take someone, I’m fueled to help.
What is your best piece of advice for other new volunteers in leadership roles?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help—even if you think it’s going to make you sound inexperienced. Everyone I’ve met has been so willing to help me out or give me advice!
What one thing is your affiliate working on that is exciting or that you would like to share with your fellow volunteer leaders in other affiliates?
I’m so excited that we officially have all of our chair positions filled! We just had our PurpleStride Kickoff meeting and I am so pumped to get down to business.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
People may be surprised to learn I went to 10 different schools between Pre-K and 12th grade. I was an army brat, so we moved around a lot!
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