Volunteer Highlight - Kelly Lavely, Affiliate Chair, Nashville Affiliate
What moment has mattered the most to you during your volunteer journey?
At the “Start” line at every PurpleStride, I cry! Tears of celebration with an amazing team, tears of joy for the survivors and their families who are crossing that starting line and tears for those watching and cheering the race from above. There is really nothing like seeing a mass of beautiful people all wearing purple with a passion, drive and hope that tomorrow will be better than today.
What is your best piece of advice for new volunteers in leadership roles?
Buckle In. Hold Tight. Dream Big! You just boarded the best roller coaster of your life! The highs, lows, turns and unseen adventures are all there and best of all, you are sharing seats and dreams with people as crazy and passionate as you are!
What one thing is your affiliate working on that is exciting you or that you would like to share with your fellow volunteer leaders in other affiliates?
I can't pick just one! I am so proud of our Mission Team, led by Christina McClary. They have worked hard to create an information packet for patients but that is equally as informative for families and caretakers who sometimes feel lost in the dark. They are now working in collaboration with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), which is a huge deal and opens the door to so many medical offices and the people they touch. We are also now PurpleStride Tennessee, which is beyond exciting! Huge thanks to the Chattanooga Affiliate for their work and collaboration as we grow throughout our state. There are so many great things to come for both projects.
What do you love about your role and/or your affiliate?
I love building teams! Gathering people together with a common goal and vision, helping individuals find their strengths and allowing people the space to dream big and go for it! It is an amazing thing that happens when we learn to listen and hold space with each other. The strength of a team is reflected in the passion of an Affiliate and that is a beautiful thing to be a part of.
At the “Start” line at every PurpleStride, I cry! Tears of celebration with an amazing team, tears of joy for the survivors and their families who are crossing that starting line and tears for those watching and cheering the race from above. There is really nothing like seeing a mass of beautiful people all wearing purple with a passion, drive and hope that tomorrow will be better than today.
What is your best piece of advice for new volunteers in leadership roles?
Buckle In. Hold Tight. Dream Big! You just boarded the best roller coaster of your life! The highs, lows, turns and unseen adventures are all there and best of all, you are sharing seats and dreams with people as crazy and passionate as you are!
What one thing is your affiliate working on that is exciting you or that you would like to share with your fellow volunteer leaders in other affiliates?
I can't pick just one! I am so proud of our Mission Team, led by Christina McClary. They have worked hard to create an information packet for patients but that is equally as informative for families and caretakers who sometimes feel lost in the dark. They are now working in collaboration with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), which is a huge deal and opens the door to so many medical offices and the people they touch. We are also now PurpleStride Tennessee, which is beyond exciting! Huge thanks to the Chattanooga Affiliate for their work and collaboration as we grow throughout our state. There are so many great things to come for both projects.
What do you love about your role and/or your affiliate?
I love building teams! Gathering people together with a common goal and vision, helping individuals find their strengths and allowing people the space to dream big and go for it! It is an amazing thing that happens when we learn to listen and hold space with each other. The strength of a team is reflected in the passion of an Affiliate and that is a beautiful thing to be a part of.
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