Let me begin by saying, I am not a big believer in New Year’s Resolutions.  When I do make them I realize that I put so much pressure on myself that by the end of the first week I have had it.  I am usually so tired from the activities over the Holiday break that I don’t give myself a fighting chance to make the resolution work.

That said there is one resolution that have made for the past few years that I have actually been able to maintain…to volunteer.  I don’t have to decide what to do on the first of the year, I can decide in March or June or September.

I asked a friend once how she does it.  She works full time as an aide for an assemblyman, she is a mom and care giver for a family member with a muscular disorder, and she was volunteering with me at our church.  She said to me, “I am very picky about what I volunteer for and for how much time I can commit.”  She said that sometimes it is not easy to say no to people but she picks her volunteer time very carefully.

When we give our time to different organizations we meet new people, we learn more about the organization, we help those that are in need, we teach our children that time is sometimes more important than money, and we just feel good after giving our time to a worthy cause.

I would love it if more people volunteered at the BDANENY.  We could use people to help at the office, or to help with a fund-raising committee.  If you enjoy writing maybe submitting a blog would be your thing.  We could use people of all ages.  I know teens preparing for graduation need volunteer time, also moms or dads that might have a few minutes a week to give.  Maybe you have board experience and would like to serve on our board.  We would love to meet you!  

So maybe, during this New Year, you can make a resolution to volunteer more.  And maybe, just maybe (fingers crossed here) you would like to volunteer at the BDANENY! 

Happy New Year!

Getting back to work after the NHF Annual Meeting last week in Chicago...

     What a large gathering of people! So many times we feel like we are the "only one" dealing with a bleed.

    It was amazing to jog in the morning with physical therapists from Ohio and Idaho and then ending the day with a group from Pennsylvania. Patients, families, healthcare providers and chapter staff all come together with the purpose of learning more about either their own bleeding disorder or a family member's bleeding disorder. 

     I especially enjoyed meeting Cheryl D’Ambrosio. She is the founder/president of MyGirlsBlood, a social networking site for women of all ages to post about their bleeding disorders, their diagnosis, and what their lives are like after their diagnosis.  (www.mygirlsblood.org)

    Thanksgiving is one week away.  I am thankful to everyone that has helped in making my first year at the Bleeding Disorders Association of NENY a great one!  I have enjoyed Advocacy Days, both in Washington and Albany, a golf tournament, family retreat and many other educational programs.  I have met many people from all over the country and from every walk of life. Thank you!