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

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?!?

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

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!

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 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!

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!

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

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...

"What does Phi Sigma Sigma Mean to You?"

Congratulations to the Scholarship Winners and Educational Grant Recipients

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...

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...

... 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

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)

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

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!

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!