Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Blog - Aiming Higher

Phi Sig Sapphire Eyes are Watching!

2011-11-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

Don’t look now. But those sapphire eyes are still on us.

With eternal vigilance, the Great Sphinx which has peered into our shared past continues to watch closely as Phi Sigma Sigma approaches the occasion of its 98th Founders’ Day!

What does Ol’ Blue Eyes see today?

A growing family of extraordinary women devoted to one another and the world beyond ... more than 100 chapters and 60,000 sisters living out the values our founders first envisioned at Hunter College ... women who are changing the world through sisterly devotion, excellence in scholarship, a thirst for leadership and achievement, and a passion for philanthropic outreach to a world in need.

It’s what I hope you see, too!

As we anticipate this year’s November 26 celebration, please join mein supporting the 5th annual Founders’ Day Campaign with a gift of $19.13 or more. Every dollar you send supports the Foundation’s mission to enrich the lives of sisters and our communities by providing more and better opportunities for learning and service each year.

Looking forward to our historic 100th anniversary in 2013, three objectives stand out:

award $100,000 in scholarships and need-based educational grants
help those with kidney disease and explore adding other philanthropic partners
substantially increase our investment in developing women leaders and strengthening our chapters.

We’ve set a special goal to increase participation among your chapter sisters by 15% this year. Be the first to help make it happen! Those sapphire eyes are on YOU. Thank you!

Most gratefully and loyally yours,

Katie Herschede
Gamma Tau ‘04, Northern Kentucky University
Foundation President

Click here to join the 2011 Founders’ Day Campaign!

Congratulations to Phi Sigma Sigma's Newest Alumnae

2011-05-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

As we enter the first week of May, many colleges and universities around the world will begin their commencement ceremonies. From all of us at the Foundation, CONGRATULATIONS! We hope that you will continue to be an active contributor to Phi Sigma Sigma by volunteering to support our chapters and giving to the Foundation.

Volunteering with the Foundation

2011-02-13T17:44:00.000-05:00

We have had many requests for those of you interested in volunteering with the Foundation and we would love to speak with you further. Please contact foundation@phisigmasigma.org to find out what volunteer opportunities are available.

YOU can honor our Founders TODAY!

2010-11-06T09:06:00.004-05:00

Three years ago, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation premiered its first Founders' Day e-mail campaign to commemorate the Founders of Phi Sigma Sigma by raising funds to advance the values they gave us through the creation of Phi Sigma Sigma; the advancement of womanhood and our twin ideals - the brotherhood of man and alleviation of the world's pain.

Funds raised this year will be dedicated to educational grants for deserving sisters in need, leadership programming for our emerging leaders and help for those with kidney disease.

We can't wait to add your name to your chapter's honor roll as we commemorate the work of our Founders and the lasting legacy they gave to all of us.

Thank you for choosing to give your gift now. You can donate by visiting http://www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org/foundersdayappeal.htm.

We Have Found Your Place In Phi Sig history

2010-11-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

Dear Sisters,

Every November 26, our sisters celebrate Founders' Day, a commemoration of the birth of Phi Sigma Sigma in 1913. While that reminds us of women like Fay Chertkoff, Lillian Gordon Alpern, and Estelle Melnick Cole, there's another name that belongs right alongside theirs ...
             ... yours.

            Because in a very real sense, alumnae are "founders" our future. And the Foundation is where we express the vision and values of our sisterhood that go beyond mere friendship. Through the Foundation, we provide meaningful support for lifelong learning, education and scholarship, service, leadership, philanthropy.

            As a founder of tomorrow, you forever change who we are.

            Your place in history, though perhaps it may be less well known, is certainly no less important than that of Fay or Lillian or Estelle.

            Please let us know you're still committed to advancing womanhood and our Twin Ideals. Accept a place of honor alongside donors to the 2010 Founders' Day campaign. As you may know, gifts to this annual effort are tax-deductible and pay for educational and leadership development impacting collegiate and alumnae sisters across the U.S. and Canada.

            Last year, many alumnae took part with gifts of $19.13 to $1,913 - and everywhere in between. Your contribution is tax-deductible.

            As we walk the road to Phi Sigma Sigma's 2013 Centennial, let us embrace our role as founders of the future. And with loyalty, generosity, and friendship, let's provide more sisters with every opportunity for personal growth, intellectual development, and selfless giving along the way.


Loyally,

Katie Herschede
Foundation President

P.S.    On November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma became the first nonsectarian sorority, the only one founded upon the principle of diverse membership based on a woman's character, not her background. Thank you for joining me today in generous support of this cherished legacy with your gift to the 2010 Founders' Day Campaign!

                     Click here to join the Founder's Day Campaign

The Transplant Games and the Ripple

2010-10-21T07:09:00.004-05:00

Three months after the Transplant Games and we continue to see the effects of the Foundation's sponsorhip. Turner Prewitt writes: "I am the gentleman in the picture….Your girls were great at the US Transplant Games 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin …I am a Greek, Phi Kappa Sigma At The University of Washington…class of 1976. I had my heart transplant on 8/3/2008…..The girls at the exhibition hall were very supportive and even livened things up by singing their sorority song…we got a lot of attention….." To see the full story, visit: http://uwnews.org/uweek/article.aspx?visitsource=uwkmail&id=60779

Harry Potter and a Past GA?!?

2010-09-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

You read that right! In the middle of Universal Studios in Florida, two Gamma Zeta collegians found Past Grand Archon and Foundation Director Judith Distler and past Supreme Council officer Ellen Smith. You never know where you'll bump into a Phi Sig!

PHILANTHROPIC RECRUITMENT TOOLS for Collegiate Chapters

2010-08-25T17:00:00.006-05:00

ATTENTION, PHI SIGMA SIGMA COLLEGIANS!

See the convenient links below to access PHOTOS, VIDEOS and INFORMATION about the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games and the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation's support of them. Perfect for use during your philanthropic recruitment events. (Watch for a special e-mail sent to your chapter to assist in highlighting Phi Sig's sponsorship of the Games to help you when promoting it to top recruits!)

Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Video

Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Photos

U.S. Transplant Games Video

U.S. Transplant Games Photos

Thank you, Foundation donors! From our Transplant Games volunteers...

2010-08-20T17:24:00.064-05:00

WHILE AT THE GAMES, WE ASKED SISTERS TO TAKE A FEW MOMENTS to share some of their observations about the event on notecards to Foundation donors. Having had a chance to review them, here are some of our favorites:

This was my first year volunteering for the National Kidney Foundation’s Transplant Games. I didn’t know what I would find when I got here, but the people I met and the stories I’ve heard will stay with me for the rest of my life. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this experience and to donate my time to something as amazing as the Transplant Games. I hope to be able to volunteer for this event again in the future.
~ Nicole M. Trombley, Collegiate Volunteer, Epsilon Beta Chapter at Ferris State University

Thank you for your donations! Being at the Transplant Games has been life-changing, and your donations helped make the event possible. I was able to connect with a transplant recipient at the swimming event. During the Opening Ceremony, I saw how far and wide the effects of organ donations and transplants really are. I hope that I will be able to spread the word and encourage others to learn about all the things that the NKF and Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation do. Thank you so much for making this possible.

~ Shannon Walsh, Collegiate Volunteer, Iota Zeta Chapter at University of Minnesota - Duluth

For me, being able to travel to Wisconsin to show my support for the National Kidney Foundation has truly been life-altering. I have met some of the most amazing people here and have shared in an experience that is unique. Remembering these individual stories still gives me chills, and I feel so blessed to be here and to be able to go back home to Kentucky to share what I’ve learned. I love what this has done for me! This is one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am so proud Phi Sig brought me to share this experience…. My chapter will get to share in my knowledge. Thank you!
~ Rebecca Peak, Collegiate Volunteer, Gamma Tau Chapter at Northern Kentucky University

Your donation not only helped the athletes competing, but helped me personally make the realization that in everyday life, so many people have had transplants. It was such an eye-opener today, seeing athletes compete at a level that I didn’t realize transplant recipients could. They may be different on the inside, but they are all like me on the outside. Thank you so much!
     ~ Anonymous Collegiate Volunteer, Iota Zeta Chapter at University of Minnesota - Duluth

This is the second time I have volunteered to help with the Transplant Games, and it is something I would love to continue doing even after I finish college. The stories that have been shared with me truly show why we (Phi Sig) do what we do, and it helps to put things in perspective. I consider myself very lucky and privileged to have been a part of this. It was truly a blessed experience.
     ~ Megan Wiggins, Collegiate Volunteer, Gamma Tau Chapter at Northern Kentucky University

Thank you so much! The Transplant Games have been a wonderful experience for me and my sisters. I am incredibly lucky that I have had the opportunity to come and help out. I felt like the donors and recipients really made this event magical! I hope I am able to come to more Games in the future.
     ~ Anonymous Collegiate Volunteer

Frequently Asked Question: Where will the 2012 Transplant Games be located?

2010-08-18T19:42:00.001-05:00

QUICK ANSWER TO A COMMON QUESTION we're getting about future sites of the U.S. Transplant Games:

The Foundation has sponsored the Games in Louisville (2006), Pittsburgh (2008) and now Madison (2010).... So where are the next Games scheduled to be in 2012?

We contacted the NKF's public relations people, and they told us today that the final location has not yet been decided. Most likely, when it's announced, you'll see it on the Transplant Games' Facebook fan page. So if you're interested in keeping track, sign up - because that's one of the first places you'll see the information posted.

Otherwise, check back here.... We'll update sisters as soon as we have information to share.

2010 Transplant Games video has just been released!

2010-08-18T16:17:00.004-05:00

WHETHER YOU WERE A VOLUNTEER IN MADISON or one of the thousands of sisters cheering from the sidelines at home, Phi Sigma Sigmas are sure to love this heart-warming video from the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games!

See the Opening Ceremony, clips from the different athletic competitions and even Phi Sig's own AUBREY BIRDEN (gold and bronze medalist) at timecode 1:51!

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO!

What impact did we have? Read THIS!

2010-08-16T11:37:00.004-05:00

FROM: Foundation President Katie Herschede
TO: Phi Sigma Sigma sisters

WOW! Here's a comment I just saw on one of our blog entries. I think it sums up our impact pretty darn well! Excellent work, everyone!

P.S. Jim has posted information about his life's perspective and heart transplant on his own blog. Check it out to see other pics of him, and his observations, at the 2010 Games!

---------------------------------------------------

Posted: Aug. 16, 2010, 10:35 a.m.

Ladies, you were all AWESOME! Every place I turned, there were members of your team running off or coming back from some supporting activity.

Jim Gleason - Phi Sig fan and
recipient of a silver medal!

From this heart recipient (on behalf of everyone there at the Games), "Thank you!" for all your support. I can only dream of what impact there would be on organ donation if other groups such as yours took on this wonderful life-saving cause.

Keep up the great work and see you again in 2012 somewhere at the next Games!

Jim Gleason
Heart transplant 10/19/94 and U.S. Transplant Games athlete
Silver medal winner in the men's badminton competition, ages 60-69

A Phi Sig living donor story: Gretchen Ehle's experience at the Games

2010-08-13T22:03:00.007-05:00

By Gretchen Ehle
Games Athlete (Living Donor) and Sister of Kappa Chapter - The George Washington University

Gretchen Ehle

HELLO TO ALL MY PHI SIG SISTERS! I attended this year’s Transplant Games as a proud member of both Phi Sigma Sigma and Team Nation’s Capital.

This was my second time attending the Games - and it was, again, fantastic, though different than Pittsburgh. This year, they allowed living donors to participate in a couple of events. (I donated a kidney to my dad - and the Games have been an important part of our lives ever since, though he couldn't attend this time.) It’s been awhile since I’ve run a 100-yard dash or done a long jump, but I do play in 3 softball leagues, and so that softball toss was right up my alley, I was sure to win a medal! Or so I thought! ... Turns out, I was beat by 4 people who were, let’s say, decades older than me. That’s OK! More motivation to train and try harder next year!

Allowing the living donors to participate this year was a great experience, because it made us feel more a part of the "team" – and we’re hoping that in 2 years (wherever the Games may be) we will be allowed to participate in more events! I’m hoping for ballroom dancing, and my dad and me getting down to "The Hustle!"

Gretchen at the Opening Ceremony
with Team Nation's Capital.

I’m always truly inspired at the Games, and this year I had the pleasure of being on Team Nation’s Capital with 2 amazing individuals who were anonymous donors. Transplantation has come so far over the past several years, but what has really developed is the heightened awareness of those living on transplant lists, and more importantly the altruistic nature of Americans in anonymously donating. I am continually inspired by the stories that I hear and that are shared at the Games, and I can’t wait to attend with my Phi Sig sisters in 2 years (hopefully we will know soon where the games will be!).

With all my love,

Gretchen

I may have won GOLD and BRONZE medals - but Phi Sig sisters at the Games won my heart!

2010-08-10T16:05:00.001-05:00

By Aubrey Birden
Games Athlete and Sister of Iota Epsilon - Indiana University at Kokomo; Winner of Gold and Bronze medals (cycling and bowling, respectively)

Hello, Phi Sigs! Oh, my goodness.... The 2010 National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games in Madison Wisconsin were so amazing! It was so great to see all my fellow Phi Sig sisters there volunteering their time and effort. As a transplant recipient and athlete, it was especially meaningful to see my sisters there to show their love and support! :)

I did pretty well this year - and I am very surprised (LOL), but I won GOLD in cycling and BRONZE in bowling! Yay! And the bowling was so close, I was only 10 pins away from gold; those girls were good!

The best part about the Games, as always, was getting to know other transplant recipients and making new friends. Plus, seeing the donor families, who lost loved ones, was so heart-warming.... Their strength empowers me to continue my advocacy to raise awareness for needed organs.

This year, both my mom and dad (my donor) got to come along! It was their first time, and they had so much fun. On Aug. 12, Dad and I will be celebrating the 17-year anniversary of our healthy kidney transplant! Here's to the next 17 years!

Aubrey with parents
Ron and Diana Birden

Thank you so much to all my sisters who came, those who supported me from afar, and of course to the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. All of your love and fundraising efforts help benefit the National Kidney Foundation in so many ways! Many people (over 100,000) are still waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Sign up to be a donor, and you could ultimately impact up to 150 people’s lives! Isn't that amazing?

Phi Sigma Sigma means so much to me - not just as a sister, leader and volunteer, but as a person. I know that our proclamation of "Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, Always a Phi Sigma Sigma" rings true not only in my heart, but in the heart and soul of every sister I have had the opportunity to meet, as well as those I haven't yet met.

Thank you, again, for all who attended the Games or rooted for the athletes! You DO made a difference and have an enormous impact on raising awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation in America.

Love you so much, sisters! PSLAM!

THANK YOU to all my Phi Sig sisters for volunteering and making this such a great experience...

2010-08-10T10:05:00.001-05:00

By Missy Spishak
Transplant Games Coordinator
Zeta Kappa - University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

OK, PHI SIGS: As we wrap up another successful Games season and our blogging efforts, I WANT TO THANK EVERY SINGLE SISTER who donated her time to the Games!

Many traveled far to volunteer (nearly coast to coast), and everyone gave a tremendous amount of time and energy to make this a wonderful event for the athletes, their families and the donor families.

We even had some guests who worked extremely hard at the Games alongside the sisters! Special thanks to our guys Jon Barrows and Steve Roberts, and also to Shannon Salisbury who took the road trip with Danni Pascuma to attend.

I also have to thank the amazing committee who helped pull off organizing our 80+ volunteers and keeping me well-caffeinated throughout the weekend (see me with Starbucks in most pictures). Thanks to Jessie Stapleton, Gretchen Ehle, Tara Ervin, Jess Berner and Kelly Chirumbolo, and also special thanks to Foundation President Katie Herschede, Vice President Marianne Cohen and Director Pam Downey (also our GA!) who pitched in just as hard as everyone else to make this a huge success.

Additionally, thanks to the NKF staff for working with us the entire weekend, and to the Hilton staff (including our favorite guy, Dave, who could be found carrying box after box to the Foundation suite). Thanks, too, to Grand Vice Archon Alicia Scott for baking some awesome cookies and having them shipped in the Dora the Explorer pull-ups box. They were definitely yummy! And let's not forget our sister Lisa Romero for helping to bring our voices from the Games to you via this blogging channel.

Every single person who pitched in was appreciated, and I hope everyone had an incredible, life-changing experience! See you in two years - destination still to be determined, but we will let you know ASAP!

More reunions, more Games, more Phi Sig love for athletes and this incredible experience!

2010-08-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

By Missy Spishak
Transplant Games Coordinator
Zeta Kappa - University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Missy with Junior Whopper
(front left) and friends

Here's a continuation of my adventures at the Games: Later Sunday night, Phi Sigs headed to 3-on-3 basketball. This is definitely a favorite event for all! There were even more reunions for me at this event, as I was FINALLY able to track down my buddy Junior Whopper from Team Philadelphia. I first met Michael Snyder - who declared to all that he was "Junior Whopper" in Pittsburgh - and I have not forgotten how incredible he was. Michael received his mom's kidney when he was nearly 2, and then after having complications and his body rejecting the kidney, he received a second kidney at age 6. Today, he is doing great and has definitely become a serious little basketball player at the age of 9!

This year, I got to meet his big brother Steve and his dad. This family is just full of life, and they love watching Michael compete in the Games. The family told me Michael has his own website, so if you would like to read his full story you can go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelsnyder. I got to take my picture with Michael and his teammate Louie (his mom says they're two peas in a pod), as well as Kayla who is also on Team Philly (the boys call her the "assistant coach") and big brother Steve. Good luck to Junior Whopper in the basketball finals!

Jon Hochstein (center) and his Phi Sig fans,
including Gretchen Ehle (far right) a team member
who donated her kidney to her father

As the night was wrapping up, I was able to finally sit down with the Hochstein family and Gretchen Ehle to cheer on the Nation's Capital team in basketball. Jon Hochstein was awesome on the courts! Nation's Capital won and gets to move on the the final rounds. Good luck!

Everywhere I went at these events I heard over and over how thankful people were that the Phi Sigma Sigma women were there supporting the athletes and making memories with the families. It was such an incredible feeling knowing we make such an impression and that they look forward to seeing us at the Games.

I met so many wonderful people! I can't list them all, but every single one of them has now earned a special place in my life: from the tiny Junior Whopper to Jose Zaragoza and his family to members of Team Pittsburgh whom I met and discovered we were co-workers at one point! I have come home with so many stories and new connections that I will never lose. This is exactly why I volunteer at these Games!

I traveled to the wonderful state of Wisconsin not for the cheese curds (which a few can attest that I ate ALOT of cheese curds), but for the athletes and the families and the celebration of life and giving. This event has changed my life in so many ways, and I am looking forward to finding more ways to keep the spirit of the Games alive in me. Just telling my stories to a friend today has made her decide to check the box to donate her organs. I will donate my organs, will you?

Sisterhood at the Games: Meeting an athlete from another sorority, and learning from her incredible experience...

2010-08-03T20:45:00.042-05:00

By Coree Pierce
Collegiate Volunteer
Epsilon Epsilon - California State University, Bakersfield

GOING TO THE TRANSPLANT GAMES was a very unique and amazing experience for me! In fact, my favorite part of the weekend was talking to all of the wonderful people and hearing their stories.

Sara Castro (center), flanked by Phi Sig sisters
Coree Pierce and Madison Wood (L-R).

On Saturday, Madison Wood (also an Epsilon Epsilon sister) and I were spending some time at the Foundation Expo when we were approached by the mother of an athlete. She noticed we were in a sorority and told us that her daughter was in one, too. She introduced us to Sara Castro a few minutes later.

Sara is currently attending California State University, Los Angeles, and is a member of Alpha Theta Pi (one of the oldest sororities on that campus). Nearly 19 years ago, she received a heart transplant when she was 5 weeks old at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

She told us she doesn't let her transplant hold her back, and she enjoys going to the Transplant Games. We want to wish her the best of luck in everything! It was very fun and inspiring to have the opportunity to meet Sara and the others participating in the Transplant Games. I really hope that I am able to attend the Games in 2012 - wherever they may be.

SUCH a WHIRLWIND! Unpacking some great experiences from the Games...

2010-08-03T14:41:00.004-05:00

By Missy Spishak
Transplant Games Coordinator
Zeta Kappa - University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

The Greller Clan

BY TODAY, TUESDAY, THE PHI SIG VOLUNTEERS HAVE ALL LEFT MADISON, where we had an incredible time getting to know the athletes and the donor families. I am finally able to sit down, reflect and relive some of the moments I had during the Games, and I can't wait to share them all with you. (In fact, I'll have to break this entry into two! More to enjoy later!)

After running the 5K with my sisters Saturday morning (I finished in 31 minutes and placed 36th of 180 in my age category - very exciting for a non-runner like myself), I went to the swimming events. I was super excited to find the GRELLER FAMILY, whom I had met two years ago in Pittsburgh. And guess what! They were hunting to find me among the Phi Sigs! I loved being reunited with John Greller, a kidney and pancreas recipient, and his son Brian, who donated his kidney to John - and I enjoyed seeing Brian's two brothers, sister and the rest of the clan. John won two gold medals and a silver in the swimming events, and it was such a joy to see how well he is doing and to share in the celebration with him and his whole family.

The Zaragozas at Opening Ceremony

Then I was off to Team Tailgate and the Opening Ceremony. The ceremony itself starts out as a big party where Games athletes from across the country parade in to cheers and non-stop clapping! We got to see the athletes and families we met throughout our time at the Expo marching in with their teams.

My first moment of raw emotion was when the ZARAGOZA FAMILY (Marianne Cohen and I first met this family at the Expo) saw me standing there taking pictures.... Jose Zaragoza, who lost his son Matthew at the age of 16 only five years ago, walked over and gave me a huge hug and thanked me for being there and supporting the Games. Yep, I cried for the first time that night! The rest of the ceremony was a wonderful celebration of life and giving.

Joseph Lackey in 2008 and 2010 (L-R).

Sunday morning, I woke up bright and early to find my Phi Sig sisters working hard at the water station for cycling. I enjoyed hanging out with them until the lake mosquitoes started attacking me (!), so I was off to swimming events again! This time at swimming, I found a little boy we Phi Sigs fell in love with last time: JOSEPH LACKEY, who was photographed two years ago in Pittsburgh with "Eat my Bubbles" on his back. This time, his message was "Follow Me to the Wall"! I got to talk to his mom Sheila, and found out this amazing little guy was from Team Alabama; he had his kidney transplant at age 2. He's now 10 and doing amazing! His 17-year-old sister Katie was there cheering him on, and she even danced with him on Friday night in the ballroom competition. Hearing Katie cheering in her southern accent for her little brother was such a sweet moment for me. I can't wait to see what Joseph has written on his back in two years when he goes for the gold again in swimming!

More to come soon! We're nowhere close to done blogging about this amazing experience! Watch for updates all week - as the Games do not conclude until Wednesday. But, as you can already tell, the impact on us (and, we hope, all of you) will last a lifetime - all thanks to the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation!

The family whose son saved lives - and whose powerful story gave me chills!

2010-08-02T16:43:00.005-05:00

By Danni Pascuma
Alumna Volunteer
Gamma Zeta - University of Rhode Island

THE FIRST TIME I CAME TO THE GAMES TWO YEARS AGO, I was a collegian, and the event was held in Pittsburgh. I was blown away by the love and connectedness that all of the participants had for and with each other. I knew that I had to come back again to experience this truly amazing tradition!

The Packhems and Phi Sig alumna
Danni Pascuma (far right)

Now, as a recently graduated alumna, I have joined the Phi Sigma Sigma forces once again to volunteer here in Madison, Wisconsin. The 16 hours that I drove from New York City is a small price compared to what many of these families have been through. The transplant athletes have risen above all to compete this week in good health. The living donors have literally given a piece of themselves to save friends, family or even a stranger in need, and the donor families whose mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters have left a lasting legacy that lives on within others, gather to honor their loved ones. All of these groups - plus the incredible supporters that have come to recognize and cheer on the participants - make the U.S. Transplant Games a culture all its own.

In the midst of the pin-trading frenzy (that you may never understand unless you have been here), having the chance to listen to everyone’s story of strength in the face of adversity is at the heart of the Games. This is beyond a doubt my favorite part of volunteering. Saturday morning as I was volunteering at the Foundation booth at the Expo, I met the Packhem family from Warwick, RI. Their story still gives me the chills.

When 16-year-old Timothy asked his parents what the heart on a license was, they explained it meant the person was an organ donor. He responded that when he was to get his license in the upcoming months, he wanted to be an organ donor, too. They didn’t know that a few weeks later, they would have to honor that request. Timothy saved four lives that day by donating his heart, liver, kidney, and lungs.

In 2008, a year after their son’s passing, the Packhems chose to attend their first U.S. Transplant Games in memory of their son. One night after an event, they decided it would be too difficult for a cab driver to find them at the Games location, so took a shuttle bus to a random hotel that could find them a cab home. They landed at a DoubleTree. As they were awaiting their cab’s arrival, a gentleman commented on Mr. Packhem’s Red Sox hat. They began talking, and he told that he was a double lung recipient from Central New York. This man, whose name is Bobby, received Timothy’s Packhem’s lungs.

The Packhem family is one of the many who travel to these Games and have the opportunity to meet the men and women who were given a second chance at life. These are strong, generous families who are determined to see something positive come from their grief. Every single one of these people is exceptionally inspiring, and it is because of them that I feel so connected with the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation and will keep coming back!

As a volunteer, I know that the transplant community is truly grateful for us being at the Games. They never stop thanking us for the support and dedication that is shown through the Foundation. I am proud to be able to support events like the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games, and I am honored to be able to stand with the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation in the fight against kidney disease.

The most selfless act: He gave a kidney to a complete stranger as part of a 'transplant chain'!

2010-08-02T10:00:00.078-05:00

By Cedar Schimke
Collegiate Volunteer & Archon
Iota Zeta - University of Minnesota at Duluth

Walking down State Street in Madison, host city for the Transplant Games, I encountered a man with a living-donor story of national proportions. Literally.

He was part of one of the nation's largest-ever "transplant chains." Read a medical article about the phenomenon and a related article in Glamour magazine here.

Here's what happened: This past December, 13 once-healthy Americans were in dire need of a kidney transplant. They had family members or loved ones who were not compatible with them, but were willing to donate to other patients. Upon determining which donors and future recipients were compatible, the group still needed three donors to complete the chain. Bill altruistically donated one of his healthy kidneys to a complete stranger so the transplants could take place.

I wanted to know more! Bill told me when people suffer kidney failure, their lives become consumed by dialysis. Family relationships and work requirements are often replaced by hospital visits and a bittersweet endearment toward life-sustaining dialysis centers.

Each of the donors received just three small incisions. In a marathon procedure, the healthy kidneys were drained of fluids and removed through a two-inch hole in the abdominal cavity. They were then transplanted into the people who needed them. Imagine that: 13 kidneys, 26 separate operations, 13 lives saved.

One month of recovery and no physical ailments later, Bill gave me a gift: He helped me to realize what it's like to have no barriers between one another - what it's like to give something of yourself that makes the ultimate human connection.

The Transplant Games are brimming with stories like these - of genuine interactions between complete strangers. Someone like Bill shows us all the potential for true love - and that, even if we do not know one another, we are not so different, you and I.

Lending a hand to living donors

2010-08-01T16:58:00.002-05:00

Phi Sigs reported for volunteer duty at the Living Donor Ceremony this afternoon. It was an emotional tribute to people, just like our sister Gretchen Ehle, who made the decision to donate an organ (usually a kidney or part of a liver) to a loved one or even a complete stranger. (More about Gretchen's experience at the Games - and her living-donor story soon.)

As always, our women are everywhere and doing everything to make these Games a success!

He rode for love... and to prove to the world he can do what once seemed impossible!

2010-08-01T14:48:00.003-05:00

By Amanda Barnum
Collegiate Volunteer
Theta Alpha - Northern Michigan University

I just met an AMAZING couple in the hallway: Sean and Virginia O'Rourke! About a year ago, he received a kidney from his wife, and he tried to figure out how he could spread the word about organ donation to give something back to Virginia.

Thinking back to a cycling trip they took together in 2000 from Seattle to Boston, Sean decided to complete a ride from the state of Washington (starting June 13) to Madison, Wisc., (arriving Thursday, July 29 at 11 p.m., completing a "century ride" of more than 1000 miles). All of this to compete in the Transplant Games!

He competed today in both the 5K and 20K cycling race (and, as a side note, he has a ton of interesting stories from his cross-country ride)! He also competed in the 5K run and 100-meter swim for the virtual triathlon.

I had to share this wonderful couple's story - because it says so much about love and the power of organ donation and transplantation to transform lives. Turns out, they've received a lot of press on his journey to the Games! To learn more, check out these websites:

Bestowing the medals at cycling - what an honor!

2010-08-01T13:38:00.001-05:00

WHAT A TREAT FOR US: Phi Sigs are presenting all of the medal-winning cyclists with their awards!

So, in addition to seeing so many of these inspirational athletes strive to perform their very best, we get to acknowledge their amazing accomplishments, too! It's truly an honor.

Guess Who Got GOLD?

2010-08-01T12:47:00.002-05:00

WAY TO GO! Aubrey Birden, our Phi Sig sister from our Indiana University-Kokomo chapter (Iota Epsilon), just won GOLD in the 5K time trial! CONGRATULATIONS!

She took a minute to get a picture with all of her sisters who were cheering her on at the cycling event!

COMING SOON: A special blog from Aubrey - who has been a part of the Phi Sig Foundation's presence at the Transplant Games since 2006!

Meet Nolan - the 'biggest littlest' celebrity at the cycling event!

2010-08-01T10:23:00.002-05:00

Nolan with Foundation Vice President Marianne Cohen.

MEET NOLAN, a bone-marrow transplant recipient from Wisconsin! He is the youngest cyclist at 3 years of age, and just 2 years ago yesterday he celebrated his transplant birthday.

He is a huge celebrity at the cycling event, so we waited in line for quite a while to get our picture with him! It is amazing to see these little athletes compete and do so well!

GO NOLAN!

Keeping everyone cool

2010-08-01T09:53:00.004-05:00

Katie Herschede here at the cycling event. Phi Sigs are very well represented - and are both cheering on the athletes and helping everyone keep cool at the water station.

I just overheard an athlete tell our women that she has seen us EVERYWHERE and is so THANKFUL that we volunteer and support the Games.

It has been tons of fun to watch all of the athletes cross the finish line!

Phi Sigs working the cycling event

2010-08-01T07:20:00.002-05:00

WE ARE UP BRIGHT AND EARLY SUNDAY MORNING to work the cycling event! Collegiate volunteers from Epsilon Beta at Ferris State and Gamma Zeta at University of Rhode Island, as well as alumnae volunteers Erin Halye (Gamma Sigma - Virginia Commonwealth), Jen McElroy (Theta Upsilon - University of La Verne), Tara Ervin (CKA Theta Upsilon) and Marianne Cohen (Foundation Vice President) can't wait to cheer them on! More pics to come soon!

There was no mistaking who the Phi Sigs were at this year's Games ... just another reason to be PROUD!

2010-08-01T03:17:00.003-05:00

IT'S NOT OFTEN WE EXPERIENCE THOSE MOMENTS IN TIME - those epiphanies - that make us realize our lives are not difficult... not compared to some in this world. This weekend, the Phi Sigs, and in particular me, experienced another one of those life-changing moments when we realized how lucky we have it!

The Transplant Games provided the backdrop for one story after another about how a donor family was there in support of an athlete competing in the Games. Or a story about how, after the loss of a family member, someone has changed careers to do "something" with their lives - bringing clarity to why they are on this earth. I heard countless stories as I visited the many booths at the Transplant Expo - sometimes so heart-wrenching, you couldn't help but cry along with the people who told them.

The other thing I heard was: "WOW, who are you? What is Phi Sigma Sigma, and why are you here?" Just tonight, I heard someone say what a presence we had... that we were EVERYWHERE this weekend. And, it's true! Every time you turned around, there were Phi Sig collegians volunteering, handing out pins, explaining why we support the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation and what we do in support of the Games. And, in a split second, conversations turned from heart-wrenching to heart-warming.

That is what the Games are all about. People have accepted their loss but have embraced a new way of life. No grieving at this event but, rather, a celebration of life. This is my third Games visit, and it will not be my last! For me, it is an opportunity to get in touch with what is important in this world and to try and make it a better place. I am so very proud of all of our Phi Sig collegians and alumnae volunteers who joined me in that effort this weekend. It makes me very proud to call each of you sister.

Job well done, ladies... a job well done!

Pamela Downey
Phi Sigma Sigma Grand Archon & Foundation Director

To Carrie, it's not about winning: It's about being here to celebrate life!

2010-08-01T02:03:00.004-05:00

By Shannon Walsh
Collegiate Volunteer
Iota Zeta - University of Minnesota-Duluth

The 2010 Transplant Games in Madison have been my first eye-opening experience to the world of organ donors and recipients. When I joined a sorority, I expected new friendships and to participate in philanthropic events - but never in a million years did I expect what I’ve experienced thus far through Phi Sigma Sigma. The bonds, the sisterhood and the opportunities available within Phi Sig are completely indescribable.

Today I had my first experience with a transplant recipient. Carrie ran a 5K Saturday morning, and later competed in the 60-69 age bracket of the women's 500 freestyle swimming event. I was the counter for Carrie’s swim. While waiting for her heat, we talked about why Phi Sigma Sigma is at the Games and then about her past experiences. Carrie - the proud mother of one daughter - told me she received a kidney transplant six years ago and is doing very well. She has been practicing and training for the events in her third trip to the Games for the past few months. She told me it isn’t about winning.... It’s about showing that she can do it.

Carrie successfully completed her race in the time she was expecting. When I went to congratulate her at dinner, she told me that she could hear me encouraging her at each turn. It really helped her and gave her the confidence to press on. The look of complete gratitude on her face was truly touching. I am honored to have touched the life of one athlete here! The continuous thank yous and the smiles from everyone here have been extremely inspirational. The 2010 Transplant Games will be something I will not soon forget, and I am honored to have been a part of this wonderful experience.

My first Opening Ceremonies: Words can't express...

2010-08-01T01:06:00.003-05:00

From Marianne Cohen
Delta Beta - University of Rochester

I don't even know where to start! As the newest Foundation Director, long-time international volunteer, and a first-time Games attendee, I can't believe I haven't attended these before now!

This has been such a tremendous experience. At the opening ceremonies this evening, I saw the athletes walk in, followed by the living donors, followed by the donor families (those whose loved ones had passed away and yet "live on" in transplant recipients like the Games athletes who received their gifts of life). With each group, I become even more and more emotional!

With the last group, I pictured my family and thought about what I would do if I were in that situation. What a hard, but incredibly brave decision they had to make.

The keynote speakers talked about the 20-YEAR history of the Transplant Games. How cool is that - they started with a couple hundred athletes and, this year, there are over 2,000!

Listening to Larry Hagman (yes, of "I Dream of Jeannie" and "Dallas" fame) talk about "recyling your body parts" to help others, I thought: What a concept! They talked about "Miracles and Memories," and that hit me. It's such an interesting idea: Everyone here is part of a miracle, and we all created awesome memories! In fact, they had the oldest athlete (85) and the youngest athlete (2) recite the Athlete's Oath to demonstrate that young and old alike benefit from the gift of life (well, the 2-year-old didn't really say it - but she was adorable).

The closing part of the evening featured a woman whose infant son passed away some years ago. She and her husband donated his heart to another baby, whose story they had been following online for 9 months following the transplant surgery.... And, today, they met for the first time! During the ceremony, both families were sitting right in front of us. To top it off, the mom sang a phenomenal version of "For Good" from Wicked ("because I knew you"), and there was not a dry eye in the house.

After being here, I don't think I can ever think about quitting ANYTHING. While the athletes and donor families were walking in (a 20-minute process), my arms started hurting from clapping.... But when I thought about stopping, I said to myself, "How can I stop clapping for these people who have been through so much?"

I am inspired and full of hope that the work I am doing with the Foundation is really helping those in need. Our sponsorship of the Transplant Games is so extraordinary! I am proud to be a Director on the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Board and, more than ever, a Phi Sigma Sigma.

One of the most touching moments of tonight's celebration of life...

2010-07-31T23:55:00.000-05:00

IF THERE WAS A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE after tonight's singing performance by Holly Campbell at the Opening Ceremony, we can't imagine it....

Holly and her husband Andrew made the difficult decision nearly three years ago to donate their infant son's heart after he stopped breathing during a nap. The recipient was Beckham Scadlock, an attendee at this year's Games.

Both families met for the first time just hours before the Opening Ceremony!

As Holly sang the touching, lovely song "For Good" (from the hit musical Wicked) for the audience, there were audible sobs from around the packed arena. Pictures of her son Jacob, affectionately known as "Jake," were displayed throughout her song.

Afterwards, the Campbells and Scadlocks (who were sitting right in front of Phi Sig sisters!) gathered together in the front, hugging and tearful, as the crowd responded to their story and Holly Campbell's performance with thunderous applause.

EDITOR'S NOTE (8/14/10): We later learned that both mothers had sung "For Good" to their sons... Holly before her son passed away and Kim Scadlock just after her son's heart transplant - and neither realized it until after they connected. Read more in this media story.

U.S. Olympic snowboarder and torch bearer Chris Klug officially 'starts' the Games

2010-07-31T23:45:00.003-05:00

SHOWN HERE: Perennial Phi Sig friend, U.S. Olympic snowboarder and liver-transplant recipient CHRIS KLUG as he lit the flame officially kicking off the 2010 Transplant Games at the Opening Ceremony.

Chris, who has created his own foundation to support organ donation and transplantation, is always gracious and lovely to Phi Sig women - whom he knows are big-time advocates here at the Games!

A shoutout for Team Pittsburgh - our friends from 2008!

2010-07-31T23:30:00.002-05:00

PHI SIGS CHEERED LOUD AND LONG for our friends from the last host site of the U.S. Transplant Games, Team Pittsburgh, as they entered the arena during tonight's Opening Ceremony! (Of course, we believe the sister who cheered the loudest was none other than Games Coordinator Missy Spishak, who calls that area home!) P.S. Check out the "terrible towels" - a fan staple for those who cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Celebrating Team Wisconsin at the Opening Ceremony: Thanks for being the host state!

2010-07-31T23:25:00.000-05:00

WE LOVE BEING GUESTS IN BEAUTIFUL MADISON, so Phi Sigs really cheered tonight for Team Wisconsin - who helped host and welcome athletes from all over the country!

Check us out! Major sponsor of the Games, up on the big screen for all to see!

2010-07-31T23:10:00.000-05:00

SEEN AT TONIGHT'S OPENING CEREMONY (and met with enormous cheers - not just from our 80+ sister-volunteers in attendance, but also the thousands of people either participating in or attending the Games):

The Phi Sigma Sigma is a major sponsor, right up there with organizations like the world-famous Mayo Clinic!

Aubrey Birden - our Phi Sig sister and an athlete at the Games!

2010-07-31T23:00:00.001-05:00

CHECK IT OUT! What a great photo of Phi Sig's own AUBREY BIRDEN (Iota Epsilon - Indiana University at Kokomo) during tonight's exciting Opening Ceremony, when dozens of teams from across the United States were formally welcomed to the U.S. Transplant Games!

Aubrey is an athlete on Team Indiana, and she'll be competing in the 5K cycle race on Sunday, badminton on Monday and bowling on Tuesday. Good luck, Aubrey!

Hi from the Foundation Board as we head to Opening Ceremonies...

2010-07-31T17:55:00.002-05:00

PROOF OUR PHI SIGMA SIGMA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS LOVE WHAT THEY DO....

It's obvious from this pic that Foundation President Katie Herschede, newly elected Vice President Marianne Cohen and Director/Phi Sig Grand Archon Pamela Downey are having the time of their lives at this year's Transplant Games!

We're off to the Opening Ceremonies. Look for more reports soon!

(P.S. Wish you were here! Missing our Board Directors Kim Hildred, Judith Distler, Judy Slater, Liz Rodriguez, Aggie Malter, former Director/current Consultant Michelle Soucy and Director of Development Erin Leahey.)

The story of Joe: A policeman who gave the ultimate gift of life

2010-07-31T17:39:00.006-05:00

By Lisa Romero
For the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation

NOTHING WILL BRING YOU TO YOUR EMOTIONAL KNEES FASTER than the story of a mother and father who lost not just a young son, cut down in the prime of life, but a role model for the entire family and community. The story of a man whose love of helping others knew no bounds - whose life ultimately helped save more than 50 people.

Joe Chairez

Shortly before police officer JOE CHAIREZ, 24, of Sacramento, Calif., suffered a fatal aneurysm and died in 2000, he had asked his parents to promise that if anything should ever happen, they'd honor his decision to be an organ donor.

This should have come as no surprise: He was elected president of his high-school class and, later, student body president... had always been a high achiever who viewed life as something you could never take for granted.

His father, Jess Chairez, held nothing back from his son: He told him he'd never permit it. "There was no way," was all Jess would say in explaining, shaking his head. You got the sense that Jess struggled with a decision that impacts so many donor families.

Jess and Theresa Chairez

That ended when the doctors told him and his wife Theresa that Joe had a 1% chance of survival.

"I went to God, and I prayed," Jess told sisters with tears in his eyes. "I said, what should I do? And He told me, 'If you honor your son by doing this, you'll honor me.' And I knew it's what Joe wanted, it was the right thing to do."

Jess and Theresa - who now view the Transplant Games athletes and living donors as a second family - have never regretted that decision. That was doubly true when they were invited to hear the beating heart of their son in the transplant patient who received it.

"You need to know," Jess said, "that my son saved four lives that day." What's more, as a regular blood donor since the age of 16, Joe had also helped save the lives of at least 42 other lives, as his parents were informed by the local blood bank after his passing.

"What you are doing here today - supporting the Games, helping people understand what it's all about... well, I can't thank you enough," Jess said. "I'm so proud of you. Even though we've only just met, I know you. You're a part of everything here. You make a difference."

Joe donated to Foundation all five of the pins he has had specially created in his son's memory - and distributed to athletes since 2000. (We'll post them as a collection later tonight.) And he wants to keep in touch.

"God has different answers for all of us," Jess said, explaining that donor families have a difficult burden in deciding what to do. But he's glad he heard the "call" of his son.

And we're so glad the Chairez family stopped to share their story.

Warmly welcoming a Phi Sig Foundation friend - and hearing a story of true 'sisterly' love!

2010-07-31T17:05:00.053-05:00

By Lisa Romero
For the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation

JoAnn Villanueva and
her sister Suzanne Ruff

HERE'S TO FAMILIAR FACES! Recognize the woman on the left? That's JOANN VILLANUEVA, a speaker at our Leadership Conference in Chicago a couple of years ago, who kindly joined us during a Foundation dinner to discuss her experiences as a kidney transplant recipient.

Today, she approached Phi Sigma Sigma sisters at the Expo to ask if we remembered her - and to let us know she was here in Madison with her sister SUZANNE RUFF, a living donor and the author of a new, celebrated book about organ donation. (It's been endorsed by none other than Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent.) "The Reluctant Donor" describes how Suzanne dealt with a range of emotions as she worked through the process of deciding to donate a kidney to JoAnn.

"It's a book about doubt, about wanting to do something in your heart to help someone you love, but being afraid - and then overcoming that," JoAnn explained. Part of the reason for Suzanne's reluctance was a fear she might need her extra kidney, as many women in her family have been afflicted by the same debilitating disease (i.e., polycystic kidney disease, also known as PKD).

Because of Suzanne's courage and loving donation, JoAnn says she's been given another chance at life - and she made the most of it this week as a member of the Games' Team Illinois, competing in the swimming event!

"It's great to be here," JoAnn said. "And it's so great to see your women here, too!" For our part, we're so glad JoAnn remembered us - and we'll look forward to seeing her at upcoming Games!

We're now ready for snowboarding season!

2010-07-31T17:04:00.001-05:00

Foundation Directors Pam and Marianne got the chance to hang with liver transplant-recipient and Olympic snowboarder Chris Klug. He is seriously one of the nicest people in the world and even offered up some tips for the winter sports season! Next stop is the opening ceremony!

Pins are the currency of goodwill at the Games - no question!

2010-07-31T15:19:00.001-05:00

EACH YEAR THAT THE FOUNDATION has helped sponsor the Transplant Games, we have come armed with commemorative pins - and LOTS of them. It's tradition for teams at the Games to swap pins, and the Phi Sig ones are among the hottest commodities going.

Here's a pic of this year's version (Foundation President Katie Herschede says we've given away 3,000!):

Here are the pins collected last year, posted attractively on a map provided by Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity Director Caryn Jacquish:

Here's the large map where we asked athletes and their teams to post this year's pins - which Foundation will proudly display for Phi Sig sisters to see for themselves in the future:

More Patches of Love from the quilts at Monona Terrace

2010-07-31T14:53:00.000-05:00

FOR EVERY FACE ON THE PATCHES OF LOVE QUILTS made to memorialize the donors who, in losing their lives, saved someone else, there is a transplant recipient with a story to share who will be forever grateful. ... It's one of the reasons the quilt project is part of the Games: to remind everyone of those who are here in spirit - whose gift of life made it possible for the athletes to be here among us.

Honorary Phi Sigs - celebrating the men among us!

2010-07-31T14:16:00.003-05:00

WITH THOUSANDS OF ATHLETES CONVERGING on the Phi Sig Foundation booth at the U.S. Transplant Games, the men among us (here as friends) heeded the call - and helped our sisterhood spread the word about our philanthropic mission while handing out highly collectible commemorative pins, too! (More about the pin craze later....)

At front: TKE's STEVE ROBERTS (Pryranis and Life Loyal Teke of the Theta Iota Chapter at Northern Michigan University), and Foundation advocate Missy Ricketts' husband JON BARROWS (who drove her 8 hours to get here and be part of the Games). THANKS, GUYS!

Foundation President supports the swimmers

2010-07-31T14:09:00.001-05:00

Katie Herschede, Foundation President, joins the crowd cheering for the swimmers doing the 500-yard freestyle. Swimming is one of the Transplant Games' most popular competitions - and it's one Phi Sigs have been volunteering at since we began sponsoring the event in 2006!

'I did it for my Dad!'

2010-07-31T13:57:00.002-05:00

MEET ALEX LOPEZ of Chicago, son of Alex Sr., who is competing in the U.S. Transplant Games racquetball tourney this weekend and is a kidney transplant recipient. Young Alex wants you to know the National Kidney Foundation ROCKS, and he's got the head to prove it:

More from swimming!

2010-07-31T13:50:00.001-05:00

Foundation Director Marianne Cohen (Delta Beta - University of Rochester) and alumnae development task force chair Lynn Coffey (Delta Lambda) watching the swimmers. Dozens of Phi Sigs are volunteering in that event, now underway!

Cheering on the swimmers

2010-07-31T13:47:00.000-05:00

Some of collegians just made their way over to the University of Wisconsin to watch the swimmers make some waves!

Welcome to the Phi Sig Transplant Games blog!

2010-07-31T13:16:00.001-05:00

NEW TO THIS BLOG? We are Phi Sigma Sigma, and we're here in Madison, Wisc., volunteering for the PHI SIGMA SIGMA FOUNDATION - which, for nearly 40 years, has supported the National Kidney Foundation, host sponsor of the U.S. Transplant Games!

We are here to volunteer at the Games, to cheer on transplant-recipient athletes in this biennial Olympic-style event, to hear and share the stories of the living donors and donor families. And we're blogging live - to help spread the message of the live-saving impact of organ donation and transplantation. As many as 20 people a day die waiting for transplants - many of which can be shared through living donors.

The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is a proud sponsor of the U.S. Transplant Games - and has been for the past three events (held previously in Pittsburgh and Louisville). Learn more at www.transplantgames.com.

And if you support this important cause, and wish to help the women of Phi Sigma Sigma do the same, visit our Foundation page to make a donation today!

We're working hard to represent you here at the Games!

2010-07-31T12:57:00.004-05:00

Missy with her life-giving coffee!

Greetings from the Phi Sig Games Coordinator! OK, this is the first chance I've actually had to sit down and write some thoughts about the Games.... I am having such an incredible time - I love the atmosphere here! There is so much energy, and it's such an incredible celebration of life.

I am currently sitting at the Expo booth, where I've had the chance to talk to organ recipients as well as donor families. Every story gives me chills. It's only Saturday afternoon, and we have been so busy - whether at the Expo, cheering on the dancers at ballroom dancing last night or running the 5K. Next is swimming, team tailgate and the opening ceremony - all places where transplant-recipient athletes and donor families will see our Phi Sig sisters volunteering.

I am loving every second and don't want it to end. I have had the chance to find athletes I met in Pittsburgh 2 years ago and enjoy seeing the way they have grown and changed!

OK.... Gotta run! Marianne Cohen is here and ready for us to go to swimming. ... I am so excited to see the athletes compete. Look for more updates from me (through Lisa, our onsite blogging queen, who is on my speed-texting dial). Thank goodness for cell phones, because we have all been texting and communicating on a constant basis! (Foundation President Katie Herschede even called me while I was on the 5K run and told me, Jess Berner and Marianne Cohen to turn around and run back to the Monona Terrace so she could take a pic.... But, it didn't happen - as we were on the move, haha). More soon!

Mother at the Games: 'Grateful for every moment I'm alive'

2010-07-31T12:21:00.002-05:00

From Erin Halye (Gamma Sigma - Virginia Commonwealth University), collegiate volunteer at the Games and loyal Phi Sig sister:

I want to tell you the story of a woman I met from Team Tennessee. She found out she needed a liver transplant right after her son celebrated his first birthday. Finally she was fortunate enough to locate a donor and receive a transplant. ... Nineteen years later, she proudly told me that her son is flourishing at Columbia University. "I never thought I would get to see him go to college," she told me. She was grateful for every moment that she has been able to experience with her family and friends as a result of the gift of life she received.

She thanked me for all the support that the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation offers. It was so amazing to talk to her about her story and realize that the small act of volunteering at these games were so important to the people here. I really felt that we are was making a difference here!"

Meeting a donor family!

2010-07-31T12:07:00.000-05:00

Marianne Cohen and Missy Spishak with the Zaragoza family whose son saved 4 lives 5 years ago! They are from California and are here supporting one of the recipients who is competing in track and field.

Larry Hagman LOVES Phi Sigma Sigma!

2010-07-31T11:33:00.005-05:00

It's a Phi Sig tradition: having our photos taken with one of the world's most famous faces, actor Larry Hagman - who is a long-time advocate of organ donation/transplantation and the Transplant Games. (You know him best from the TV classic, "I Dream of Jeannie.") A transplant recipient himself, he never fails to attend the Games and show his support for this important cause.

This year, he sought us out to take this pic! We <3 Major Anthony Nelson!

Shown at bottom: Erin Halye (Gamma Sigma - Virginia Commonwealth University, Amanda Barnum (Theta Alpha - Northern Michigan University), Jen McElroy (Theta Upsilon - University of La Verne) and Valerie Damon-Leduc (Gamma Zeta - University of Rhode Island).

From our Phi Sig runners, who just completed their 5K....

2010-07-31T10:30:00.002-05:00

It was so cool to do the 5K with over 1,000 other volunteers, recipients, and donor families! Great course, great weather and awesome volunteers along the course!
Sent from iPhone

Photos on the run!

All these smiling Phi Sig faces...

2010-07-31T10:27:00.002-05:00

No wonder our booth at the Expo is THE place to be! Shown here (L-R): Foundation Director of Development Erin Leahey, Danni Pascuma and Sam Ryel of Gamma Zeta sisters from the University of Rhode Island, and Foundation Director (and newly elected Vice President) Marianne Cohen!

Far too many miracles to count... (Robyn Carr, Theta Psi at Alma College)

2010-07-31T09:56:00.000-05:00

My first experience volunteering at the Games in Louisville was life-changing - and Madison is proving to be the same!

From the moment I arrived and started seeing all our sisters experiencing the Games for the first time, I have been reminded of the reason we are here. Organ donation and transplantation IS important, and we are here supporting that cause and spreading the word with you and our many readers.

I love that as we participate for the third time (woo hoo, go Phi Sig!) people here know who we are and why we are here. Comments like "Oh, you're the sorority...! I have your pin from last time!" bring a smile to my face.

I have met too many amazing recipients and donor families to count - and later, I will write about the most touching so far as well as telling you about my experience recording a segment that might be used in a documentary about transplantation. It's called "The Power of Two." You'll also hear more about my new tattoo and pin. (Don't worry, Mom, it's a temporary tattoo!)

HEY, collegians! Here's your next Rock-a-thon idea...

2010-07-31T09:39:00.000-05:00

...courtesy of CKA Kelly Chirumbolo (Gamma Tau - Northern Kentucky University).

It's a bean-bag toss (a game called "cornhole" in Kentucky) sponsored at the Expo by the American Liver Foundation where the goal is to throw a liver beanbag (complete a smiling face, arms and legs) into the hole on a board painted with that foundation's logo.... Winners get a pin - and learn more about liver donation and transplantation.

HERE'S THE BOARD (the blurred "bird-looking" thing, as Kelly called it, at bottom left is the beanbag):

AND HERE IS A PIC OF THE BEANBAG:

Everybody wants to be a Phi Sig...

2010-07-31T09:25:00.000-05:00

...if only to own THIS T-SHIRT, worn by Eileen Collins, a Phi Sig alumna volunteer and daughter of a transplant recipient. (Check out her blog about that experience from the other day). Don't you just love this? If Eileen had a dime for every time someone wanted to know how to get one of these babies...

JUST ANOTHER REASON PHI SIGS ARE SO POPULAR AT THE GAMES! ;-)

A little about the historic place we're based...

2010-07-31T09:14:00.000-05:00

If you've never been to Wisconsin's state capital before, it's lovely! We're based at the historic Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center - one of the architectural legacies of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Running the 5K in Madison today

2010-07-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hundreds of people are outside the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center preparing for the start of this morning's 5K run/walk. Among them (L-R): fabulous Phi Sig volunteers Marianne Cohen (also a Foundation Director), Jess Berner and Games Coordinator Extraordinaire Missy Spishak - who reports via text messaging that the race is about to begin!

Most of the participants are, of course, donor recipients of all ages - who, whenever you meet them, are always willing to discuss how organ donation and transplantation changed their lives. More on that soon!

And more goodies!

2010-07-30T21:36:00.000-05:00

We also want to thank the Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter who provided these really cute goodie bags. THANK YOU!

Mmm...Cookies!

2010-07-30T21:30:00.000-05:00

A big thanks and shout out to Grand Vice Archon Alicia Scott who sent some delicious cookies to all of our volunteers! It was a wonderful surprise!!! Thank you!

Forget Dancing With The Stars!

2010-07-30T20:32:00.000-05:00

It's now DWTPS (Dancing With The Phi Sigs, of course)! After the ballroom competition, we swarmed the floor for a little dancing to cap off our amazing first day of volunteering. If we were competing, we'd be pretty hard to beat!

Dancing up a storm!

2010-07-30T20:09:00.000-05:00

The Phi Sigs are cheering on some amazing athletes at the newest event at the Games - ballroom dancing! Wow, what phenomenal talent. About 10 couples danced and they were all spectacular...but a 10 year old stole the show with a special encore dance he and his sister performed. Wow! Our vote is to definitely keep this event for 2012!

Ballroom dancing is about to begin...

2010-07-30T19:09:00.000-05:00

We're vacating the Expo - and heading down to the massive ballroom now where the ballroom dancing competition is about to commence!

No web access there - however, as soon as we're back online, we'll post all kinds of photos taken nearly every few minutes, it seems.

Each person here has a story.... If we have our way, we'll tell as many as we can.

ROCK THE BALLROOM, Andrea Fogle and Robyn Paige Carr! They're leading our volunteers during this first competition. More soon!

Quilts of love, hearts of hope

2010-07-30T18:42:00.000-05:00

SEEN OUTSIDE THE EXPO.... WE'LL POST MORE THROUGHOUT THE EVENT.

These are panels from dozens of memorial quilts lining the hallways - silent testimonials to loved ones who are gone, but whose gift of life has helped make it possible for another person's life to go on.

Team Mississippi represents!

2010-07-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

Dad and son - both named Michael and part of the Team Mississippi contingent - stop by our booth to learn more about the Foundation's sponsorship of the Transplant Games.

They're here to cheer on Michael Jr.'s sister MARY KATHRYN, who we hear is quite the b-ball player.

Check out that cheering sign: It's just about the cutest catfish we've ever seen!

Phi Sig athlete Aubrey Birden - Iota Epsilon

2010-07-30T18:23:00.000-05:00

Four years ago in Louisville, she was a volunteer who swore she'd return to the Games as an athlete....

Two years ago, she competed - and made the news....

Moments ago, we welcomed AUBREY BIRDEN (Iota Epsilon, Indiana University at Kokomo) back to the Games!

A kidney transplant recipient, she'll be competing this weekend in badminton, bowling and the 5K cycle race.

Watch for more from Aubrey soon!

Hey! Simonne at UIFI - we heart you!

2010-07-30T18:07:00.003-05:00

Lookie who we bumped into in the main hallway outside the Expo, where thousands of athletes, donor families and others are milling around and learning about the sponsors (like us) and getting goodies (like our signature Foundation pin)!

IOTA IOTA sisters at Grand Valley State are in the house, and missing their Archon Simonne Yet Kwong Horman, who's attending the UIFI conference this week.

(Sisters are everywhere, making us proud - what can we say?) :-)

Fitness at the Transplant Games!

2010-07-30T16:53:00.000-05:00

The booth across from us is a donor recipient who is a personal trainer. Here's our own Missy Spishak completing the push up challenge!

Sent from iPhone

Wait a minute...

2010-07-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

Yes, that is a Phi Sig shirt but not a Phi Sigma Sigma sister! We are please to be joined by several friends and family members this weekend who traveled to the Games with our sisters.

So, meet Steve (pictured) who is a TKE at Northern Michigan University. He traveled down with one of our Theta Alpha sisters and is doing an amazing job telling everyone about Phi Sig!

Best shirts so far!

2010-07-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

Check these shirts out! They are the coolest yet. On the front they say I (picture of a heart) PSS and the back ...and my (picture of kidneys)! How cool is that! Sporting the shirts are Dana, Lana and Lisl from our Iota Iota chapter.

Pins, pins and more pins!

2010-07-30T11:16:00.000-05:00

Katie Herschede here again. I am over at the Expo Hall with Jessica Berner (Delta Sigma), Jen McElroy (Theta Upsilon) and Kelly Chirumbolo (Gamma Tau) putting our beautiful pins on cards with information about the Foundation. The cards even include our blog address so the Transplant Games athletes and families can follow us too!

Check back often because we'll have lots of amazing posts about our adventures in Madison.

And we're here!

2010-07-29T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hi all. Katie Herschede here. Just wanted to provide a quick update that part of our fabulous team is here and working hard! Grand Archon Pam Downey, Games Chairman Missy Spishak and Committee Member Jessie Stapleton all came in tonight to help get everything ready. We're taking a quick break to have dinner at the famous "The Great Dane" restaurant. We can't wait for Phi Sig sisters to descend upon Madison soon!

Why volunteer at the Games? To say THANK YOU for saving my mom's life...

2010-07-28T12:32:00.003-05:00

By Eileen Collins
Theta - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

WHAT DO I GET FROM VOLUNTEERING AT THE U.S. TRANSPLANT GAMES? For me, it’s my way to say THANK YOU. To explain, I am incorporating some of what I wrote to the donor family that gave my mother the gift of life in the form of two new lungs in July 2008:

I am a daughter. I am a daughter to a kind and hard-working 60-year-old retired nurse, mother to 3 daughters and grandmother to the most perfect 2-year-old boy. I can tell you that she suffered for almost 15 years due to a disease that started with a dry hacking cough that would not go away, crescendoed to a frightening phone call from the doctor while I was getting ready for my high-school prom, and left her lungs scarred and dying, unable to support her, unable to put oxygen into her body, starving her heart for oxygenated blood, causing her to be unable to walk 10 steps without having to stop and rest because she was in pain and dizzy.

My mom’s disease required her to carry heavy oxygen tanks every time she wanted to leave the house to do something as basic as go to the store. Eventually, a solution appeared: She just stopped going. My beautiful mother, tall and blonde with green eyes I’ve always envied (redheads always want green eyes, but frequently settle for brown), and pretty, fair coloring, became a ghost of herself. Her pretty coloring turned grey and waiflike, suffering from the same loss of oxygen the rest of her body had experienced. Her hands, which I could describe to a T now, turned blue and purple from the inability to keep warm. Her cough became her calling card, something that always told you where she was. It became a joke of sorts in our family: If you were looking for mom, just be quiet a moment, she’ll start coughing and you’ll be able to find her.

On July 17, 2008, my family got the phone call that there might be a set of lungs for my mom. So off we went – my sisters, my father and me – on the first flight out the next morning. Off we went into the unknown, not sure if this surgery would happen and absolutely clueless as to what would await afterwards. And on July 18, 2008, in the evening, my mother received the gift that would save her life: a set of lungs.

Since then, my mother has had the chance to thrive and flourish in a way she never dreamed possible. She got to hold her grandson. She renewed her wedding vows with my father after 32 years of marriage. She was able to see me walk across the stage at my law-school graduation. And I can tell you that we both wept during my graduation, awestruck that she got to be a part of an event that by all rights she never would have lived to see if not for the generous gift of life from someone we never met – someone who was going through the worst kind of pain imaginable and who, in his or her grief and sadness, decided that other people should be spared from their pain, sickness and grief.

We talk about my mother’s donor every now and then. From what we have learned, our donor was a young man with a real zest for life and a taste for adventure. My mother remembers that when she needs to do things like exercise by saying things like, “Well, Nick didn’t sit around doing nothing with these lungs, and neither can I.” We do not keep in touch with our donor family, but they remain in our thoughts and our prayers still.

I will likely never meet the family that made the decision to give my mother the gift of life, and it is hard not to have someone to thank in person. But for me, being able to come here, to the Transplant Games, and to be a part of the celebration of life that organ donation creates for thousands of people every year, allows me to say THANK YOU. Thank you to the families who generously gave what you did not have to give. Thank you to the doctors and the nurses and the caregivers who work so tirelessly so that everyone, no matter what their ailment is, has a fighting chance at life. Thank you to the scientists, the researchers and all of those people working to show the world just what can be done when the powers of science and medicine join forces with the power of faith.

– From a grateful daughter

Where has the time gone?!?

2010-07-20T20:49:00.004-05:00

Can you believe believe that we are only DAYS away from the start of the 2010 Transplant Games in Madison, Wisconsin? We are so excited to have 75 volunteers coming to the Games from coast to coast and every place in between.

Did you know that we're involved in new and exciting events this year? We'll be covering ballroom dancing, the 5K race and cycling!

This blog will be THE authority in all things Games and Phi Sigma Sigma so check back often as we'll be posting all the time!

Feel free to leave comments on what you want us to be sure to post about.

We're excited!

Updated: Transplant Games Hotel Information

2010-04-22T09:45:00.002-05:00

The 2010 Transplant Games are coming up fast! This summer, Phi Sigs from all over the country will be heading to Madison, Wisconsin to help cheer on the athletes and serve as Transplant Games Ambassadors assisting team members from the U.S. and Canada. If you are planning on traveling to Madison for this life changing event, please visit the Phi Sigma Sigma Web site (www.phisigmasigma.org) and take the following steps:

* Click on My Phi Sig and select either Collegians or Alumnae
* Under Individual Functions choose Event Registration
* Select 2010 Transplant Games

You can even purchase a t-shirt which we will be wearing at the Games!! We want to make sure all our volunteers have the best experience possible, but to do so we need all volunteers to register.

To reserve your hotel room at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace you will need to contact Missy Spishak at mspishak@phisigmasigma.org for the event housing link and group access code.

The rate is $159 per night and our block of rooms is reserved from July 30-August 2. Be sure to book soon as the number of reserved rooms is limited. You must book by April 29 as rooms remaining after that date will be released.

We are so excited to see you in Madison this summer!!

Transplant Games Are Just Around the Corner!

2010-04-10T17:28:00.001-05:00

Click on My Phi Sig and select either Collegians or Alumnae
Under Individual Functions choose Event Registration
Select 2010 Transplant Games

You can even purchase a t-shirt which will be wearing at the Games!! We want to make sure all our volunteers have the best experience possible, but to do so we need all volunteers to register.

Also to reserve your hotel room, please contact the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace at 1-608-255-5100 (www.hiltonmadison.com) and let them know you are with Phi Sigma Sigma. The rate is $159 per night and our block of rooms is reserved from July 30-August 2. Be sure to call soon as our the number of reserved rooms is limited. You must book by April 29 as rooms remaining after that date will be released.

We are so excited to see you in Madison this summer!! If you have any questions please contact Melissa Spishak at mspishak@phisigmasigma.org.

Getting Ready to Take Madison, WI By Storm!

2010-02-23T20:48:00.000-05:00

The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is gearing up to head to Madison, WI this summer from July 30-Aug 1 to volunteer at the 2010 Transplant Games.

What are the Games? They are Olympic style events for transplant recipients run by the National Kidney Foundation to celebrate life and bring awareness to the need for organ donation. Phi Sig attends the Games to cheer on the athletes and volunteer at various competitions.

It is a life changing event and something that everyone who participates cherishes. We are working on putting all the details together for our sisters to attend so make sure you sign up as a fan on the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Facebook page (www.facebook.com/phisigmasigmafoundation), keep checking back to the Foundation website (www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org) and this bookmark this blog for updates and new information. Also check out the Games website (www.transplantgames.org) for more info on what the Games are all about.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Melissa Spishak (foundation@phisigmasigma.org), Transplant Games Coordinator, and register on the Phi Sigma Sigma web page under "Events" (not on the Transplant Games site as we will register as a group).

Hope to see you in Madison!

Welcome to our new officers and directors!

2009-10-18T14:32:00.001-05:00

The Foundation is proud to announce new corporate officers and directors whose terms are effectively immediately. New officers and directors are elected to two year terms. Click here to learn more...

Philanthropic Recruitment - Keys for Success

2009-09-09T09:25:00.003-05:00

It's that time again... in college campuses all over, students have moved in, classes have started and our chapters are preparing for fall recruitment! The Foundation wishes you all the best during this hectic time and to make your lives a little easier, we've developed some "Keys for Success" when planning your philanthropic recruitment event.

First and foremost: The key to a successful philanthropic recruitment event is in the planning. Log in to Phi Sigma Sigma to read our tips.

The Most Important Tip

Relax, smile and have fun!!!

Foundation Scholarship Winners Answer an Important Question...

2009-09-02T09:49:00.001-05:00

"What does Phi Sigma Sigma Mean to You?"

Congratulations to the Scholarship Winners and Educational Grant Recipients

2009-08-20T09:28:00.005-05:00

The Foundation board of directors would like to congratulate this year's selection of scholarship and educational grant winners. Foundation is deeply devoted to furthering the ideals of the Fraternity, making an impact with the National Kidney Foundation and helping chapters achieve their philanthropic goals. But, our favorite job each year is having the opportunity to support our sisters' educational needs through the gifts of scholarships and educational grants.

Congratulations to you all!

Named Scholarships
May be established by an individual or a chapter. Often, these scholarships are created in memory of a sister or loved one. Chapters may also choose to establish a scholarship to benefit a deserving chapter sister. This year’s winners are:

Allison Beth Schmidt Memorial Scholarship

Allison Beth Schmidt served as archon of Delta Eta Chapter at the University of Delaware in 1991-92. The alumnae and collegians of Delta Eta endowed a Foundation scholarship in Allison's memory to ensure her legacy would carry on. This is awarded to a sister pursuing her educational goals based on service to sorority, campus and community.

Jean Ulkloss, Zeta Theta Chapter

Bertha Bodian Memorial Scholarship

Established by Carol Schwartz in loving memory of her mother, Bertha S. Bodian, who strongly believed in academics and in Phi Sigma Sigma. This scholarship is awarded to a sister who has shown exemplary service and leadership in Phi Sigma Sigma and on her campus. In addition, this woman must exhibit high academic achievement.
Lindsay Anderson, Gamma Psi Chapter

Beta Alpha Nicole Schiffman Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Beta Alpha (University of Maryland) House Corporation and sisters wishing to honor the memory of collegian Nicole Schiffman, this scholarship is presented to a Beta Alpha member who demonstrates commitment to the Fraternity and its core values above and beyond the norm based on service to sorority, community, campus and Greek life.
Hailey Simon, Beta Alpha Chapter

Erin Michelle Say Memorial Scholarship

The sisters of Delta Chi established this Foundation scholarship in memory of their sister, Erin Michelle Say, who was a communications major at Shippensburg University. The scholarship is awarded to a sister pursuing her educational goals based on academic excellence, as well as service to sorority, campus and community.
Nicole DeFonde, Zeta Xi Chapter

Helen Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship

Established by Rachel and Valerie Berkowitz in memory of their mother, Helen Berkowitz. This scholarship was created to ensure Helen's memory and love for education, the Fraternity, and her beloved Nu Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania where she served as chapter advisor for many years, would live on. It is awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement and contribution to sorority and community activities.
Alana McGinty, Epsilon Alpha Chapter

Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Scholarship

When Past Grand Archon Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg retired from Supreme Council in 1985, Phi Sigma Sigma established this scholarship in honor of her outstanding service and never-ending dedication to the Fraternity. This scholarship is awarded to a sister who is pursuing a post-graduate degree, with preference to those pursuing a law degree, and who exhibits high academic achievement and unselfish dedicated service to Phi Sigma Sigma.
Aryel Koval, Xi Chapter and Jeannine Olmo, Zeta Zeta Chapter

Katie Vashon Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Zeta Zeta Chapter Quinnipiac University in loving memory of their sister Katie Vashon, this scholarship is awarded to a sister of the Zeta Zeta Chapter. Katie exemplified what it truly means to be a sister. She was a dedicated member of the chapter who worked hard to give back to the community. Katie also excelled in academics. Because Katie had great balance between dedication to the chapter, campus, and community, the recipient must show exemplary service in these areas.
Jennifer Sandler, Zeta Zeta Chapter

Mamie Klein Memorial Scholarship

Established in honor of the late Mamie Shulkin Klein, past Executive Secretary and Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation President. Through her dedication and active participation in the Fraternity, Mamie Klein exemplified the true Phi Sigma Sigma - a sister who gives of herself, to her chapter, and to the sorority. Collegians and graduates attending school full-time are eligible and the scholarship is awarded primarily on the basis of contribution to the sorority.
Emely Zelaya, Epsilon Omega Chapter

Markowitz Book Award
The Markowitz Book Award was originally established by Past Grand Archon Clarisse Harrison Markowitz in memory of her husband, Arthur Markowitz. In 1994, the award became the Arthur and Clarisse Markowitz Book Award to honor both Clarisse and Arthur Markowitz. All sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma attending, or who will be attending, an accredited law school in the fall are eligible for this scholarship, which is awarded largely on the basis of contribution to sorority and community.
Alicia Yass, Kappa Chapter

Michelle Stacey Friedman Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of a Michelle, a founding sister of the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Montclair State (NJ), who had an unyielding love for her sorority, sisters and Greek life. The Michelle Stacey Friedman Scholarship was funded by her friends, sisters and family, and is presented to the sister who has shown exemplary service and leadership in Phi Sigma Sigma, on her campus, and in the community.
Jessica Minacapelli, Gamma Psi Chapter

Neddie Iniquez Memorial Scholarship
To honor their sister Nereyda, the sisters of the Theta Upsilon Chapter at the University of La Verne have raised funds to establish this memorial scholarship.
Jennifer Holt, Gamma Psi Chapter

Past Grand Archons' Scholarship
Established upon Past Grand Archon's Judith Howard Distler's retirement from Supreme Council, this scholarship is awarded to juniors, seniors and post-graduate degree candidates and is based on continuing leadership and devotion to Phi Sigma Sigma. Recipients are recognized for exemplifying the ideals associated with our Past Grand Archons.
Kimberly Kiggins, Epsilon Rho Chapter

Sunshine State Scholarship
Funded by the South Florida Alumnae Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma, the scholarship supports a Phi Sigma Sigma attending school in the state of Florida. This is the first Foundation scholarship endowed by an alumnae chapter.
Brianna Ortiz, Iota Theta Chapter

Veachey R. Bloom Book Award
Established by Past Grand Archon Veachey R. Bloom, this award is presented to a Phi Sigma Sigma pursuing a degree in business or a related field with preference given to Human Resources majors. The award is based on service to the community and campus, service to sorority and Greek life.
Kelly Hall, Theta Psi Chapter

Educational Grants
Funded primarily through interest earned by the Foundation, educational grants are awarded annually to collegiate and alumnae sisters based on three criteria: financial need, scholarship and service to Phi Sigma Sigma and the community This year’s recipients are:

Erin Brennan, Delta Zeta Chapter
Danielle Butterfield, Epsilon Delta Chapter
Meghan Campbell, Iota Nu Chapter
Ashlee Carter, Delta Delta Chapter
Caitlin Fabrocini, Epsilon Theta Chapter
Christine Frusciano, Iota Iota Chapter
Ashley Goldberg, Beta Alpha Chapter
Amber King, Epsilon Sigma Chapter
Jennifer Kronowitz, Zeta Xi Chapter
Julia Logsdail, Iota Eta Chapter
Nicole McManus, Delta Delta Chapter
Erin Murphy, Iota Theta Chapter
Sara Overhoff, Zeta Xi Chapter
Jessica Rawlings, Theta Delta Chapter
Alecia Salus, Theta Xi Chapter
Liza Smith, Epsilon Chi Chapter
Amber Snyder, Theta Alpha Chapter
Cathy Zech, Theta Upsilon Chapter

Chapter Educational Funds
Funds established by chapters for any educational purpose, with the primary focus on scholarships to deserving initiated members of the chapter, including alumnae pursuing post-graduate degrees. This year’s recipients are:

Beta Rho Chapter Educational Fund
Katie Ludgate, Beta Rho Chapter

Delta Iota Chapter Educational Fund
Karly Caudell, Delta Iota Chapter

Gamma Tau Chapter Educational Fund
Julie Johnson, Gamma Tau Chapter

Xi Chapter Educational Fund
Amy Smith, Xi Chapter

Phi Sigma Sigma? It's all about perpetuity...

2009-07-30T19:58:00.003-05:00

As I was packing for Convention this year, I got to thinking about the way that Phi Sigma Sigma has been there for me throughout my life... when I needed to connect with people in college, Phi Sig was there. When I moved to a new city after grad school and needed to make friends, Phi Sig was there. In fact, as I look over my past, Phi Sig has been an important part of almost half my life. And now, as my perspective on life has changed - as I have a new little legacy to fill my days (and nights - let us not forget those) with joy, I'm really happy that Phi Sigma Sigma will continue to be there for me... because it will also be there for Chloe.

They say that the alumnae years are the giving years and maybe that's true, but in the warmth of my sisters' love, I realize that I'm getting quite a lot, too. We, on the Foundation board, hope that all of you take a moment this weekend - whether you are here or not - to reflect on the strength and wonder of this amazing sisterhood.

With love,
Heather Kelley
Foundation Secretary

P.S. from Chloe
I couldn't help but notice the large package of baby goodies in the Foundation auction this year. Lamaze toys. Lots of them. Mommy better plan accordingly or there will be fussing. Bid high, Mommy. Bid high.

This time next week...

2009-07-24T13:03:00.004-05:00

... We'll be preparing for the Foundation dinner at Convention, 2009! The directors of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation are excited to be meeting with so many sisters next week in Norfolk, VA. We thank you in advance for your support of the Foundation's mission and vision and we look forward to sharing in the warmth of your sisterhood.

When you stop by the Foundation table next week, please take a moment to talk with us about the exciting work you have undertaken this year. We want to hear all about your successful Rock-a-Thons, your passionate philanthropic work and all of the things that make your chapter stand out.

We will be having a whole lot of fun with you during our time together in Norfolk... between the First Annual Euchre Tournament, the Foundation dinner and auction, and the delivery of all those Heart to Hearts, you will be seeing the Foundation directors quite a bit.

But in the meantime, pack those white dresses, double check your itinerary and get set for a fantastic few days! We'll see you soon!

March is National Kidney Month

2009-03-09T19:02:00.003-05:00

We received this wonderful email from our friends at the National Kidney Foundation. We hope you will take a few minutes this month to reflect on our sisterhood and our amazing philanthropic efforts with the National Kidney Foundation and Kidney Foundation of Canada! Happy Kidney Month!

Happy National Kidney Month! This March, the National Kidney Foundation urges Americans to get to know two humble, hardworking organs: the kidneys. To help raise awareness and appreciation for all the vital functions the kidneys perform, the National Kidney Foundation is encouraging Americans to learn more and take steps now to preserve kidney health. March 12th is World Kidney Day, the perfect time to get to know your kidneys and find out if you're at risk.

How does one celebrate World Kidney Day? Get a free screening, participate in a local event or visit our special Web page for more information. And when you take the Kidney Quiz in March you’ll be eligible to win a copy of the new book Resilience by NBA Champion, Olympic basketball gold medalist and kidney transplant recipient, Alonzo Mourning.

You can also send personalized World Kidney Day E-Cards to friends, family, doctors and nurses. Why wait until loved ones get sick to send a card wishing them well? Our customizable e-cards offer life-saving prevention messages as well as the opportunity to thank health care providers for doing their best all year round.

Great News from our Epsilon Xi (SUNY Oneonta)

2009-03-09T16:44:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to our Epsilon Xi chapter at SUNY Oneonta for making headlines with their wonderful service endeavors. The chapter raised $17,000 through developing a Kidney Walk. Read more about their efforts here:

http://www.thedailystar.com/archivesearch/local_story_022040026.html

New Year's Message from Foundation President, Candace Hogan

2009-01-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

I wanted to take the opportunity to wish each of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009! I am proud to serve as the Foundation President and work with each of you to continue the legacy of service that runs through the core of Phi Sigma Sigma. Each New Year, I find myself increasing reflective. I wanted to share with you a quote from the installation speech I gave recently at Adelphi University, our Epsilon chapter. For me, these words represent the importance of the Foundation mission and remind me of why I choose to serve.

"Today, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is proud to be stewards of our Founders legacy of compassion. We encourage each of you to follow in the foot steps of those who have come before you, and walk beside those who are with you today, to become a woman of compassion. We encourage you to seek out opportunities to offer hope to those who feel hopeless, to seek justice for those whose voices cannot be heard, and to remain true to our organizational core values of leadership through service, lifelong learning and inclusiveness. We trust that today, you will begin your journey to become a woman of courage, compassion and conviction."

Best wishes to each of you and thank you for continuing to support the Foundation, our website and blog. I look forward to our continued success in 2009!

In the News: UMass at Dartmouth Chapter Makes the Paper!

2009-01-01T23:04:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to our Theta Sigma chapter at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth who were recently featured in a South Coast Today article touting their philanthropic efforts. The sisters were noted for serving dinner to over 600 seniors and then dancing the night away with them. This was a wonderful collaborative effort with a fellow NPC sorority. To read more about their efforts, visit this site: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081226/NEWS/812260327/-1/NEWS

Do you have good news that you want to share with us? If so, email us at foundation@phisigmasigma.org!

Nash's Donor Tour Part II

2008-11-24T22:33:00.002-05:00

It’s Nash, here again with another update on my awesome “Donors Rock” tour. I continued my travels meeting sisters both in Philadelphia area and neighboring New Jersey as well….

November 19 – I ventured across the bridge to visit our fabulous women at Zeta Pi, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Over a delicious pasta dinner, we shared some Phi Sig history and lots of good stories. Thank you for cooking for me and welcoming me on my first ever visit to this campus. It was really fun!

November 20 - I was delighted to have coffee with two very special alumnae at Starbucks on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. It was wonderful catching up with Heather Kelley, a Beta Psi alumna and current Foundation Secretary and Diane Spatz, a Nu alumna, who is a Foundation Director Emeritus and the long standing CKA at Xi Chapter, Temple University.

November 20 – Dodgeball, anyone? How fun it was to watch the sisters of Zeta Gamma chapter at West Chester University compete among themselves in their first annual Phi Sig Olympics. The chapter divided themselves into teams complete with names, t-shirts, and cheers while having a blast playing dodgeball, answering trivia questions, and other fun activities. Following the game, it was so nice to tour their house and chat with the sisters about how the university has changed since I was their CKA in the 1990s. Thank you for hosting me and allowing me to share your entertaining games!

November 23 – I was thrilled to have lunch with Beta Alpha alumna Bonnie Diamond Aaron, who served the Foundation as a former Philanthropy and Fundraising Chairman. Since it’s been years since we’ve seen each other, it was wonderful to touch base, get up to date, and share family photos with each other.

November 23 - I traveled to New Jersey again, this time to attend a meeting with the sisters of Theta Eta chapter at Rider University. We had a blast remembering our Phi Sig history. After the meeting, I toured the house which is very impressive. Thank you to the women at Theta Eta for allowing me to visit where I had such a good time!

November 24 – I was honored to have lunch with Past Grand Archon and Phi Sig icon, Veachey Rudolph Bloom. If you think I tell good stories, then you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing Veachey speak. I could listen to Veachey talk all day and all night about her Phi Sig experiences…she’s a Phi Sig treasure!

November 24 – For my final visit, I was honored to attend a very lovely ritual meeting at Gamma Xi chapter at Widener University. Following the meeting, we had a question and answer session, and then I toured the Manor, their beautiful home. Thanks to all my Gamma Xi sisters for a terrific evening!

It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but an extremely exhilarating experience. Our chapters continue to aim high and I know our Founders would be so proud of them. Thanks to everyone for hosting me with such warmth and enthusiasm.

One thing is for sure, our DONORS ROCK!! Look out, Nash may be dropping by to see you soon!

Foundation Executive Director Nancy Hay, a.k.a. “Nash”, Is On the Road in Philly

2008-11-23T18:15:00.002-05:00

Nash has hit the road and has been a blogging maniac! See below for her latest stories and news!

Greetings from Nash. I’m currently in Philadelphia where it has been my great pleasure to meet and visit with so many wonderful Phi Sig collegians and alumnae.

November 14 - I began my “Donors Rock” tour with a trip to Stevenson College in Owings Mills, MD to attend Zeta Chi Chapter’s Basket Bingo. I was honored to meet the sisters and their advisors, families and friends at this fantastic fundraiser. This event was not only fun, but it raised thousands of dollars for the Foundation. Congratulations to the chapter on a job well done and thank you for all your support.

November 16 - I was delighted to attend the Founders’ Day luncheon hosted by the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter. Check out all the details here.

November 17 – After having met all the local chapter reps at the Philly Founders’ Day celebration, I set out to visit each chapter on their own campus. My first stop was Beta Rho chapter, my alma mater Drexel University.

I was quite impressed with the growth of the university which has so many new buildings that I hardly recognized it. It was so nice to meet the chapter, tour their house, and chat with the sisters about how the university has changed since I was in school. Thank you Beta Rhos for hosting me and allowing me to share some of my most cherished memories!

November 18 - I traveled to Xi Chapter at Temple University, where I was thrilled to meet some of the sisters at the dining hall for lunch. While eating, we had a blast playing Phi Sig Jeopardy, and the sisters who answered the questions correctly were rewarded with prizes. After lunch, I toured the house which is very impressive. Thank you to the women at Xi for taking time out of your busy schedules to show me such a good time!

November 19 - I was so pleased to meet with Xi alumna Sue Bleznak Weisberg, an old friend and former Convention Chairman for the Fraternity. It was delightful to catch up with this Foundation donor and special sister!

Stay tuned for more of Nash’s travels!

Wonderful Founders' Day Event

2008-11-19T23:04:00.004-05:00

The Foundation received this wonderful report from Melanie Toner, Archon of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter. Congratulations for a wonderful event!

Founders’ Day 2008 was a huge success for the Philadelphia alumnae chapter. With seven chapters in attendance, we hosted almost 400 women to celebrate our founders’ vision and strength. Special Events Chair, Mary Elizabeth Gantz, planned a fabulous event at Harrah's in Chester. For this Founders' Day, we debuted a new format, complete with a panel of successful alumnae, a Phi Sig marketplace featuring every chapter, and a new collegian award.

Our panel featured Foundation Executive Director Nancy “Nash” Hay (Beta Rho), Gina D’Amato-Kaufman (Gamma Xi), Jess Pomraning (Gamma Gamma) and was moderated by Foundation Secretary Heather Kelley (Beta Psi). Collegians were asked to provide us with questions of anything that might be on their mind. Among other things, they asked about networking opportunities, career strategy, and whether or not our panelists watch the TV show, Greek.

The day kicked off with the Phi Sig Marketplace – an hour long opportunity devoted to networking. Each chapter was provided with a table to display information about their events and to sell t-shirts or other fundraising items. Next, Mary Elizabeth welcomed everyone and the women from Zeta Omicron performed the SPHINX ceremony.

This year, we presented two awards, one of which was brand new. Each year, we honor an alumnae sister who excels in sorority and community service with the Helen Berkowitz award. Past recipients include Kim Hildred (Gamma Epsilon), Nancy Hay (Beta Rho), Diane Spatz (Nu) and many others. This year’s honored recipient was Jess Pomraning (Gamma Gamma). We also started a new tradition this year. We felt it was important to also honor outstanding collegians in our region and so we debuted a new award, the Outstanding Philadelphia Area Collegian Sister Award. We received outstanding nominations and Mary Elizabeth read each one aloud. We are so proud to have awarded this year’s plaque to Laura Ferro (Nu).

And of course, we also made sure to remember to uphold our founders’ ideals. Our community service project was a toiletry drive which benefited Family House in West Philadelphia. In addition, we raised $689 for the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation between raffle tickets and pin sales. Unique Impressions will also graciously donate a portion of their proceeds to the Foundation. Finally, we debuted a new T-shirt as a chapter fundraiser and sold 31 shirts!

Founders' Day Campaign

2008-11-05T20:23:00.002-05:00

First, the quiz...

Which Phi Sig Founder:

...graduated from high school at age 11?
...became a textile designer and an interior designer?
...worked as a hospital volunteer and was bilingual?
...was the first founder to pass away?
...aspired to be a dancer/actress?
...wrote most of the Fraternity's ritual?

Whether or not you remember all their names and achievements, I know you remember our Founders' collective vision...the advancement of womanhood. You embrace it every time you act with sisterhood in mind. Nothing can separate us!

So now, the question...

Will you continue the tradition you began last Founders' Day by joining our second annual Founders' Day Campaign? This important effort is raising gifts of $19.13 or more to directly benefit the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation's ACHIEVE leadership initiative and educational grants. The contribution you made last year helped raise nearly $20,000 - an amount that far exceeded our highest expectations!

Our Zeta Tau Chapter Archon, Julie, tells what ACHIEVE meant for her this past year:

"This series of workshops definitely helped me focus on techniques to develop and implement chapter objectives. We worked on an action plan for our standards board to monitor chapter morale and oversee activities. We also established a "24-hour rule," meaning if there is disagreement or tension, sisters allow themselves 24 hours to think through their thoughts and ideas rather than instantly reacting..."

This Loyola University Chicago senior has helped double her chapter size in two years, with 90 sisters and tons of positive response from members, Headquarters and their host campus. And, Julie is just one of our collegiate chapter leaders who benefited from the program. Some 750 collegiate sisters participated in ACHIEVE last year alone. Wow!

Joining the 2008 Founders' Day Campaign by November 26th will put a tax-deductible gift to work immediately to fund the ACHIEVE leadership module and educational grants for deserving sisters. We need YOU if we hope to reach this year's goal to increase donors and dollars by 10%. It's easy to do right now... (1) find the answers to our Founders' Day quiz and (2) tell us your answer to our Founders' Day question!

Lunch with the LA Alumnae Chapter!

2008-10-27T18:26:00.002-05:00

The Adventure Continues!

2008-10-27T18:19:00.005-05:00

Here's the latest installment from Kim and Judith!

It’s Sunday morning and our trip to west coast is coming to an end as we prepare to fly home to Virginia. Yesterday it was my honor to meet with the sisters from Theta Upsilon at the University of La Verne and the sisters from Epsilon Delta at Chapman University. Both chapters are very generous supporters and I was thrilled to talk to them about their hard work for the Foundation, how their gifts are used, and thank them for making what we do possible.

The Theta Upsilon’s got up early to meet with me before heading out to their Make a Difference
Day event; meeting with foster teens to talk about career planning. What a terrific activity!

Our Chapman sisters presented me with a many personalized cards wishing the athletes good luck at the Games for Phi Sigs to distribute in 2010. They have made these cards during philanthropic recruitment and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.

Early in the afternoon, Judith and I had lunch with representatives from the LA alumnae chapter. It was wonderful to see these sisters talk about Foundation and share alumnae activity ideas.

We could not let this fabulous weekend come to an end without expressing our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Carol Schwartz (Zeta, UCLA) and her husband Lee for hosting Phyllis and our oral history interviewees at their home these past three days. Their home has served as “Phi Sig central” since Carol’s days as a sister at UCLA and over the years Carol and Lee have hosted many events for collegians, alumnae, and even members of the area alumnae panhellenic where Carol has long-served as a member. Carol and Lee could not have been more gracious and we cannot thank them enough.

Good Morning, this is Judith writing now. Our time here has been filled with fun, excitement for Phi Sigma Sigma, and tremendous enthusiasm. I spent time talking with Sandy Wesler Warner (Zeta ’66) who was a senior when I was a freshman. She brought her pledge class scrapbook, and I saw the faces of Sisters I had not seen since they left school to graduate! The warm feelings, friendships, and life experiences these Sisters have shared since their graduation in the mid 1960s is wonderful to discover, and to know that they were based on their Phi Sigma Sigma membership. I also spoke with Sandy’s mother, Marge, who is also a Zeta, class of 1939, who remembers her collegiate experiences with great fondness. How special for me to be able to hear her comments and to share these precious memories over the span of years!

Even Phyllis Has the Blogging Bug!

2008-10-25T21:19:00.003-05:00

Phyllis Dreyfuss, Beta Alpha, shared this wonderful blog with us. As you will recall, Phyllis is our oral historian and has made the trip west with Kim and Judith.

Hi. I’m Phyllis Dreyfuss, an alumna from Beta Alpha, University of Maryland, and have been privileged to be the Fraternity’s oral historian since 2002. My responsibilities have taken me to many parts of the country to meet with sisters that included all from recent graduates to those who graduated as early as 1939.
Kim, Judith and I arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday, and thus began my first series of oral histories on the West Coast. The process requires some background research to determine the role the potential interviewee played within their chapter and perhaps, nationally, either as an active, an alum or both. Once identified as being able to provide information that may help us trace our history in a way that is more personal and anecdotal than that found in the written word, our Headquarters handles the necessary releases and makes appointments for me to speak in person with our selected sister. Judith, Kim and I review the basics of my interview guide and off I go…………off to meet and have a very private conversation that include, a sister I’ve never met before and a tape recorder.

Much of what I learn serves as new insights into what makes us a diverse group to be proud of….the stories of how we have learned to work together, live together and make a difference on our campus, in our community and for our fraternity….and serves as a window as much to our past as it is to our future. We shall keep you posted on how we can best use the information we have been gathering as part of our Centennial celebration. In addition, we will keep you posted on some of the very funny experiences we have had traveling together from the East Coast….ask any of us about Factor’s Deli and we can repeat.

Kim Visits Chapman University

2008-10-25T21:17:00.002-05:00

Kim shared this wonderful picture of the Chapman University chapter! What a great group!

More from Kim and Judith's Excellent Adventure!

2008-10-25T21:09:00.004-05:00

Here's more news from Kim and Judith!

Well, we have finished day number two in paradise. Our day began with dropping Phyllis off at the lovely home of Carol Schwartz (Zeta, UCLA) who is hosting Phyllis as she completes her oral histories. Carol is one of the interviewees as well!

Judith and I then headed out to see Wendy Lau and Tara Ervin, both Theta Upsilons, La Verne University. As generous donors we had lots to thank them for and received some terrific feedback from both as we explained some of the new ways Foundation is reaching out to alumnae to find both a cause and giving program that is customized for each individual donor.

We then headed to California State University at Dominguez Hills. There we spoke at a chapter meeting – can you believe these women have their meetings at 6:30pm each Friday? But what was so wonderful was that it was family night (such a cool idea) where the chapter hosts their families as they attend a meeting, make tee shirts for new members, make posters, and of course have dinner. It was such an honor for Judith and I to meet all our Iota Gamma sisters and their families. The chapter invited us to make a few remarks, which we did. Judith shared her experience as a parent of a Phi Sig and I spoke about Phi Sig’s founding, our core values, the important of inclusiveness, our new member programming, and what it means to be a part of our larger Phi Sig family. Of course I also talked about how the chapter’s generous gifts are put to work for fund scholarships and educational grants, leadership programming to develop sisters and strengthen chapters and to help those with kidney disease. Thank you Iota Gammas for hosting us and congratulations on a fabulous event!

More news Saturday!

Foundation Visits California!

2008-10-24T20:08:00.008-05:00

Judith Distler and Kim Hildred took to the road to visit California this weekend. Here's a blog post straight from the two of them that they wrote in between meetings with our sisters!

We arrived in paradise yesterday, Los Angeles, CA. We are here to spread lots of Foundation love. Joining us is Phyllis Dreyfuss (Beta Alpha, University of Maryland), our oral historian.

Some of you may know that the Foundation has undertaken an oral history project where Phyllis is interviewing past Grand Archons, former Supreme Council (SC) officers and other volunteers – past and present – and other sisters so that we may have the story of Phi Sigma Sigma’s history told in words of our own. Phyllis will be interviewing alumnae from our Zeta chapter at UCLA, our Mu chapter at Berkley and our Beta Tau chapter at California State University – Northridge. Included will be Marge Wesler, a former SC officer from the 1940s. Wow!

We have jam-packed schedule this weekend. Last night, Judith and I visited our sisters from Zeta Alpha, Woodbury University, in Burbank, CA. The sisters took Judith and I to dinner after a mini-tour of their beautiful campus to CA’s own “Shakeys” a pizza place with wonderful food. There, we learned all about the chapter’s philanthropic work, fundraising, and other activities while we dined on Hawaiian pizza and mojos – amazing potatoes. We were thrilled to meet the chapter’s new members and one of our very own scholarship winners who won the Michelle Stacey Friedman Scholarship.

This is so invigorating for us; the Zeta Alphas were wonderful and so happy to have visitors! This chapter has an up close understanding of how Foundation serves the Sisterhood. Today we head on down the freeway to visit our Orange County sisters. More adventures will follow!

Good News From Iota Gamma (CSU Dominguez Hills)!

2008-10-23T21:08:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Carolyn, the CKA for the Iota Gamma chapter for sharing this great news with us!

The Iota Gamma and the Southern Los Angeles County Alumnae Chapters are working with the Cal State University, Dominguez Hills Institute for Cultural Diversity (ICD) for Sight Night 2008. As part of Make a Difference Day we decided to change it to Make a Difference Month. For the complete month of October members of the collegiate and Alumnae chapters and the ICD will be collecting used eyeglasses, store bought reading glasses, sunglasses, and eye glass cases that will then be donated to the Lions Club. These will then be refurbished and distributed to needy people throughout the world.

This has become an annual event that the 3 groups do together on the campus of CSU Dominguez Hills.

Delta Sigma (SUNY-Brockport) is Making A Difference!

2008-10-12T16:35:00.002-05:00

The Foundation would like to thank the sisters at Delta Sigma for this awesome update! If you have news to share, please don't hesitate to contact the Foundation at foundation@phisigmasigma.org!

Because members from Delta Sigma Chapter at SUNY Brockport volunteered at the Transplant Games and they were able to meet athletes from the hometown team - NKF of Upstate asked if members of the chapter would help volunteer at the recent NKF Walk. The walk took place on Saturday, September 27th at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester.

We had over 28 active and alumnae volunteers who signed up. NKF was very pleased with the response as we had more women participate than what was requested. Last year chapter members actually walked and this year they were happy to help as volunteers. They hope to make this an annual event.

We were able to catch up with some of the Team Upstate athletes including Bonnie who was featured on the blog during the games. We are also fortunate to have a chapter sister, Alli Williams who is currently completing an internship as a special events assistant with NKF of Upstate in Rochester.

Alli had this to say, "I am SO PROUD and grateful for everyone who volunteered to take part in this event on a Saturday morning!"