In 2022, I celebrated my 10th anniversary of living with Type 1 Diabetes and the 100th anniversary of the first use of insulin as medical treatment. I honored these milestones by spending several months training for a 10-mile run; one mile for each year of successfully living with diabetes. (Yes, I designed the shirt I wore that day!) Together, our community successfully exceeded my fundraising goal, with a total donation of over $2,100 to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Over the years, I have participated in several charity events for cancer research, Alzheimer's research, animal rescue, disability support services and civil rights because I love to help others. It is a huge part of who I am. JDRF is one of my favorite charities not only due to my personal connection but also because their funds are allocated in so many different capacities, from research for innovative treatments and potential cures to providing resources and support to low income patients. JDRF has played a role in providing medical supplies during the Ukraine crisis.

My work is not only who I am or what is displayed on this page. My work, our work, is to create authentic community and lift up one another. Be the person you want to meet!