CHCM Ambassadors are individuals who have been affected by chronic illness in their lives and are nominated to serve as experts about CHCM.
Melissa Forrest, Children's Cancer Research Fund
Melissa was introduced to the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) in 1995, when she was diagnosed with composite lymphoma at the age of 17. After receiving support from CCRF staff during her hospital stays and participating in CCRF's fundraising gala Dawn of the Dream, she became one of the organization's most active members. Melissa speaks at numerous CCRF functions throughout the year and has volunteered as a Care Partner, using her success story to both reassure new patients and their families as well as garner support for CCRF. Melissa's commitment to improving healthcare inspires both her professional life as well as her volunteer work; she is now a pediatric physical therapist at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.
Dayna Johnson, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America- MN/Dakotas Chapter
Dayna's Crohn's disease never slows her down. For the past two years, she has been very active with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America as a leading fundraiser at the foundation's annual walk-a-thon, and began as the development intern in the spring of 2006. In November 2006, she accepted the position of Development Coordinator. With a degree in Communication Studies and a wealth of knowledge stemming from her diagnosis of Crohn's disease, Dayna is passionate about increasing awareness and enhancing the lives of everyone affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
Ruby Lanoux, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America- MN/Dakotas Chapter
For the past five years Ruby has been a leader within the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, as well as a source of inspiration and comfort for countless children, as a Camp Oasis volunteer counselor. As a person with Crohn's disease, Ruby combines her personal experience with her degree in Health Education to provide guidance and reassurance at Camp Oasis. In September of 2006, she joined the organization as the Administrative Assistant and Program Director at Camp Oasis, and continues to strive for education and achievement in the healthcare community.
Russ Philstrom, Brain Injury Association of MN
Since Russ first contacted the Brain Injury Association after suffering a traumatic head injury, he has become highly involved with the organization and eventually joined the Board of Directors in 2000. Russ served on the MN State Council on Disabilities, works as a member for the 2007 conference for people with brain injuries and has been a team captain for the Association's annual "Walk for Thought" for the past five years. He has also testified at the Minnesota State Capitol about the needs of those with disabilities and head injuries. Russ's commitment to people with brain injuries is dynamic source of inspiration and motivation, whether he is speaking to Minnesota senators in Washington D.C. or leading support groups in his own community.
Sue Weiner, ALS Association
When Sue's sister Kathy was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis- also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) in March 2003 at the age of 52, the ALS Association was her resource for medical information and emotional encouragement. She attended support groups and bereavement groups through the organization, and is now one of the most devoted members of the volunteer team. Today, Sue provides the same support and encouragement for others that she once received at the ALS Association, whether she is educating people at events or simply delivering meals to someone with ALS. Sue has taught the first and third grade for the past 25 years but still finds time to commit countless hours to the ALS Association's special events and individualized care. |
