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| Some of my PKD Comrades |
I recently attended the 2014 PKD Leadership Conference in Kansas City. There were 44 new volunteers this year! 44 out of 80+ leaders. I was a little shocked by that number. I actually asked myself, "am I crazy to volunteer?" I'm looking for a part-time job, starting a new business and want to spend time with my family and young grandson. Why am I volunteering my time? Am I crazy or what?
I'm sure everyone who volunteers goes through a hard time and asks themselves all of the time, should I quit? A lot of the times the answer is yes. Many of our volunteers are PKD patients and can only take care of themselves. Others are just overwhelmed.
All I can say after attending the leadership conference is, emphatically no! In my pensive state of mind concerning my transitions this year, I realized that I wouldn't know what to do without my PKD Foundation comrades; these people have become my family, my support and my friends. They see my strengths and my weakness'. They see me laugh and they certainly see me cry. No, I don't think I'll be quitting my role as the Atlanta Chapter Coordinator. Not this year.
I realized just how proud of myself I am. I'm so entrenched in this battle that I think no matter what is on my plate I will always be a volunteer for the PKD Foundation. Like all volunteers we have grandiose ideas. Some of them work and some of them don't. But I've learned this year we are all important because we are here. And those 44 new people? They are here to do the same.
If you're interesting in becoming more involved, check out all PKD Foundation volunteer opportunities.
Marlene Stewart
PKD Foundation - Atlanta Chapter
