There’s not too many times in life where you have the opportunity to directly give back to an organization(s) that gave you the life you love and live now.
Luckily, I’m in this situation. I was born suffering a stroke to which the effects won’t necessarily ever go away, whether it be the physical limitations or mental/emotional hurdles throughout life. From the stroke entered right hemiplegic cerebral palsy, controlled seizures, and a whole bunch of other things that are "wrong with me". Riley Hospital for Children, in Indianapolis, the city I was born and grew up in, changed the entire trajectory of my life. I’m not only alive but also thriving today because of the treatment and care I received at this hospital.
Fast forward to my undergraduate years at Indiana University (the most elite university on this planet) to which I was able to join a student-led organization called ‘Indiana University Dance Marathon’ gave me the opportunity to fundraise for that hospital. After falling in love with philanthropy in undergrad, I doubled down and received a Master’s degree in philanthropic studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, then moved out to Denver and accepted a job offer with Children's in the summer of 2023.
Now, I am living in a “full circle” opportunity. I fundraise to make sure no other kid has to go through all I went through, or even go through now at 30. I fundraise in the hopes we can develop and implement researched strategies and treatment that can eradicate childhood diseases. This is and will always be my “why”. If you feel ever so moved, I would love your support too!!
Cheers, friends!