TUN Volunteerism Scholarship

Regardless of our family situation, my parents have consistently emphasized the importance of giving back from the time I was a little girl. My fondest memory of giving back was the idea for an activity that was initiated when I was a member of my 8th grade basketball team. Several mothers who were impacted by breast cancer wanted to find a way to give back to other families who were impacted by breast cancer. Because my mother is a survivor, I suggested a Pink Out, a basketball game and fundraiser for a charity benefiting current breast cancer patients. The project became very personal to me and I was excited to volunteer. 

Unfortunately, I saw first-hand how breast cancer can take a financial, emotional and physical toll on families. At the time we were planning the event, my mother was a recent survivor of breast cancer for the second time herself.   While difficult, I was glad to be there for her, especially at the hospital before her surgery, to hold her hand and show my support.  She had family and friends who encouraged her along the way.  She was very brave and transparent with me about her journey and fortunately beat the disease with her extended family, friends and church standing beside her.  

My mother was fortunate to have a great deal of support but knew of others who had inadequate resources primarily related to the financial losses incurred during treatment. When she talked to our coach about the team creating the first Pink Out basketball game to raise money for families in need, I was highly motivated to do my best work. When my coach approved, I volunteered to help chair the acquisitions committee and obtain donated items for the silent auction. I had the opportunity to work with each basketball family, the opposing team we would play, and with businesses in the local community. Due to tremendous teamwork, the Pink Out raised just over $1,700 for The Pink Fund, a local charity that assists families in treatment with household expenses.  We also raised public awareness of how breast cancer can devastate families. The funds raised helped two families receive funding of their household expenses for two months so they could focus on treatment and recovery without financial stress. 

 The most memorable part of the event for me was seeing the tears in my mom's eyes when we accomplished our goals at the end of the game. That moment made all of the work and time spent so worthwhile. I will never forget how my teammates all worked together to impact our community. I learned valuable skills and the experience served as a foundation for greater leadership roles and the pivot point for my future community service endeavors.

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