Friday, June 17, 2011

Americorps goes Little


Hi there! My name is Bailey and I’m a recent college graduate. Upon my graduation, I set out on an adventure to find something new to fill the free time that was to come. Lucky for me, I found the Littlest Tumor Foundation. Before applying for my position through AmeriCorps, I had never heard of the organization before but was intrigued and continue to be everyday. Like my AmeriCorps and Littlest Tumor Foundation partner, Emily, I knew nothing about Neurofibromatosis (NF). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “The Neurofibromatoses are genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow in the nervous system.” After learning about the diagnosis, I was dumbfounded that it was a new topic for me and for those around me. How could I not know about this?!? How do I learn more? And finally, what can I do?!? These questions seem simple enough to answer right? Well, I’ve been answering them, but its been a day to day to day process. There is always something to learn and people to educate, which is no small task but I’m willing to hit the ground running.


Littlest Tumor Foundation is a remarkable organization with a bright future. The foundational building blocks of the organization include: Awareness, Wellness and Volunteerism. Not only are these outstanding goals for a foundation, but for one’s personal life as well, especially the life of a recent college grad. I look forward to my work with the Littlest Tumor Foundation and helping the organization to accomplish these goals locally, nationally and internationally. I also hope to make my own changes and incorporate Awareness, Wellness and Volunteerism into my daily lifestyle and I hope others are willing to embark on a journey of self improvement that include these goals as well. My motto is, “Be the change you hope to see in the world.” Props to Ghandi for the brilliant quote. Join me and the Littlest Tumor Foundation to be that change and make a better world for children with tumors. Lets work together to cure NF!!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Engaging in a Cure!


Wednesday June 8, 2011


Wellness is a lifestyle that has the power to heal. As a new AmeriCorps member working with the Littlest Tumor Foundation, I believe this statement is absolutely true. Before I began working for this foundation, I knew very little about Neurofibromatosis, let alone had even heard of it. I decided to dive into researching the illness and learning all I could about individuals dealing with NF. Neurofibromatosis effects 1 out of 3,000 people, which is much more common than one would think. Even though I have only been working for the Littlest Tumor for a week, I am extremely excited to embark on an incredible journey in making NF preventable. As a recent 2011 graduate from UW-Stevens Point, I graduated with a double major in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication and International Studies. My career goals are centered on improving and inspiring lives by working at the root of an aggressively passionate non-profit organization. Through the foundation’s holistic approach and dedication, families and children are helped each and every day. The Littlest Tumor Foundation is the inspirational grassroots organization I was looking for and I am thrilled to be a part of the cure this summer.