The ALS Association, Minnesota Chapter

Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota

Julie Howard
Julie has spent 18 years as a geriatrics case manager and now volunteers with the Alzheimer's Association helpline. She understands the widespread impact that dementia and Alzheimer's has on families and wants to communicate the priceless resource that this organization has served to be. Her enthusiastic and knowledgeable perspective of this illness will remind you of the hope that each of us can have when presented with unexpected challenges.

Nancy Thomes
Since being a staff member at the Alzheimer's Association since November of 2000, Nancy has a background in long-term care and aging issues. Her presentation will inform the audience of the disease as well as motivate them to take action - whether it is through donations or by passing along information about Alzheimer?s to others and sharing new knowledge about the disease.

American Liver Foundation

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Brain Injury Association of Minnesota 
 

Nicholas P. Dennen
Nicholas re-writes the definition of perseverance.  Involved in a near-fatal accident in 98, the doctors never thought he would be able to function in society again. Nicholas defied the odds and will share a story that accents the human?s ability to believe in oneself and overcome any obstacle. He volunteers with the Brain Injury Association in order to communicate how support and research make the impossible, possible.

Terri Traut
Terri came to the Brain Injury Association not only because of a family member who suffered from a severe injury, but also because of a stroke that she suffered herself. She is an independent marketing communications specialist and an active board member for the Brain Injury Association. She will explain what brain injuries are, how they are caused, and the programs provided by the association to those in need. Terri will challenge and inspire with her story of both giving and receiving care.

Heidi Wilcox
Heidi suffered a traumatic brain injury in ?95 from a car accident.  Ever since, she has been speaking to audiences across Minnesota and Wisconsin to educate those in the same position.  She will shock and inspire you as she shares how her situation became a success despite the perilous odds she faced.  Heidi is a living example of someone who has used their fortune and experience to give others hope. 

Camp Heartland Project
 

Guadalupe "Lupe" Avendano
Gaudalupe, "Lupe," was infected with HIV by a blood transfusion that she received when she was just six years old. It wasn't until she was twelve that her parents knew that she had the virus, and it was that same summer that she started attending Camp Heartland. Lupe is now on staff and will share how Camp Heartland has helped her get into college, rise above obstacles, and use her talents to help others. She will remind you how to believe and invest in hope.

Dan Averitt
Dan is proud to have joined the Camp Heartland staff in March of 2004. Since then, he has met numerous children with HIV/AIDS and wants to share their incredible stories. He hopes to give the audience a better understanding of what Camp Heartland does, the children they serve, as well as educate people on how the spread of HIV/AIDS can be prevented. Dan is committed to a future in which children will not be touched by this devastating disease.

 

Susan Leckey
Susan works to provide hope for kids faced with the struggles and challenges of being infected with HIV/AIDS. She has been dedicated to assisting children with this disease for the past 12 years, and is now the deputy director of Camp Heartland. She will share stories of kids that Camp Heartland has helped, explain the programs and services they offer, and share the challenges that each child with HIV/AIDS has to face. She will motivate you with her energy and compassion and remind you that hope is the most important thing for each of us.

Bridgett McNulty
Bridgett works at Camp Heartland and has a true desire to contribute to those in need. She will share many stories about kids at Camp Heartland who have given her a new perspective on life. In her effort to tell as many people as possible about the good things that Camp Heartland is doing, she will share how the organization assists the young people they serve, what types of programs they offer, and where they hope to go in the future. Bridgett is a great example of how to use life and energy to promote positive change and hope.

Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota
 

Rosemary Gruber
Rosemary is part of the staff at the Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. She has first-hand knowledge of the medical and scientific advancements in cancer research and how they affect everyone. She will share how new discoveries have helped patients and their families and why the cancer center is so worthy of the support it receives. Rosemary will motivate you as she enthusiastically informs and explains all the ways in which the Cancer Center continually sheds new light on the meaning of hope and persistence.

Cancer Kids Fund
 

Shana Karle
As a staff member of Cancer Kids Fund, Shana has witnessed many families? lives change as they deal with cancer. Passionately committed to the work that Cancer Kids Fund is doing, Shana will communicate the different ways that people are being helped through their services, support, and other opportunities that Cancer Kids Fund provides to those in need.

Jennifer Peterson
Jennifer has been on staff with Cancer Kids Fund for eight years. She has met and assisted hundreds of families that have dealt with cancer and has a heart for making a difference. She is very energetic and passionate about Cancer Kids Fund and will explain the programs and services offered by it. She will inspire and energize you as you listen to her commitment and dedication to providing hope for those in need.

CaringBridge

Children's Cancer Research Fund
 

Hazelden Foundation
 

Nancy Appel
Nancy knows the affects of drug addiction and alcoholism through her work at the Hazelden Foundation.  She wants to inform her audience that while addiction is a chronic disease influenced by many factors, there is a lot of hope for those affected by addiction.  Through treatment, support of families and communities there is help. Nancy hopes her speech will motivate her audience to think about their own lives and experiences and identify with those who are recovering every day.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Minnesota Chapter

Cathy Swanson
Cathy started out as a volunteer in 2001 and joined the staff later that year. When she first became involved at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Cathy didn't personally know anyone wi'h cancer. However, after her volunteer and work experience, she has realized how many people and families are affected by a chronic illness. Then, Cathy's experience came full circle when her aunt was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Cathy hopes her presentation will remind listeners that even though they may not have a direct connect to something like cancer, the cause is important because illlness can impact anyone at any time.

Lupus Foundation of Minnesota

March of Dimes-Minnesota Chapter

Memorial Blood Centers

John A. Lindstrom
While he is trained as a firefighter, John learned the importance of blood donation through his grandson's recovery from major blood loss.  John will share the story of his grandson, Cody, and how the donation of 77 units of blood saved this little boy's life. Using his experience with Cody and a picture slide-show, he will educate the audience about the impact of blood donation and reinforce the fact that every blood donor is linked to another person, whether a stranger, friend or family member.

Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation
 

Muscular Dystrophy Association
 

Jodi Castillo
Jodi works on staff at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She has met and been influenced by many people that her organization has helped. Jodi hopes to explain the various programs they offer, how there services have assisted those affected by the disease, and how each of us can help. She is a great example of commitment and dedication and will remind you that every bit of effort is important. 

Kelly Schuna
Kelly works on staff at the Muscular Dystrophy Association as the camp coordinator and health care service coordinator. She has spent a lot of time working at Camp Courage with many who are fighting this disease and has been deeply influenced by their stories of determination. She wants to communicate what the Muscular Dystrophy Association is doing and how they help those who live with this challenging illness. She will inspire you as she tells the many stories that have inspired her in her commitment to hope and progress.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
 

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SAVE, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
 

Karen Harrold
Karen is committed to getting the word out about the harmful effects of untreated depression. A SAVE volunteer for a number of years, she is passionate about the hope that can be found for everyone that suffers from chronic depression. She will bring to the light the shocking statistics that come with suicide and the many ways in which it can be prevented. Karen works with SAVE to educate the general public, to promote community-based programs for those recovering from depression, and to reach as many people as possible to ensure that no one goes without hope.

Dan Reidenberg
When Dan speaks, he has 20 years of experience behind him. Whether talking to audiences about mental health, chemical dependency, child abuse or suicide, Dan strives to impact each listener. He hopes his speech will move his audience to acknowledge that there is pain and suffering in the world and that each person has a different perspective on it. He also hopes his experience and words will help his listeners feel like they can do something about it and empowere them to act to help themselves or others.

Sight and Hearing Association

United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota