ICYMI: We have a new member on our team at the MGA. Please give a warm welcome to Kami Brendel! Everyone, meet Kami:
What is your name and where are you from?
KB: Kami Brendel from Sedalia, Missouri - home of the Missouri State Fair, the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, and formerly MY hometown.
Would you mind telling us a little bit about yourself?
KB: From the time I was a little kid, I wanted to be an actor. My mom taught theatre at our local high school, and I caught the bug right away. Years later, after college, off I went to New York City where I spent the next fifteen years studying and auditioning. When I decided it was time to settle back in the Midwest, I wanted to use my experience in theatre to help others and found myself working for a healthcare marketing company. I was hired to help patients who were living and thriving with rare disease conditions to write and share their stories of hope and perseverance to inspire others, and this quickly became my new passion. When I learned about the Myasthenia Gravis Association, I was excited to become a part of the team to help further their mission and support the incredible work they do to enhance the lives of myasthenia gravis patients.
When I'm not at work, I spend my free time with my husband, Glen, and my dogs, Hans Gruber and Frances MacLaren, and my cat, Eleanor Roosevelt. We love to go to the park, ride bikes, chase squirrels, and have treats...not necessarily in that order.
What will be your role in the MG community and what are you looking forward to?
KB: As Patient Care Specialist, I look forward to connecting with patients and care providers as they navigate the treatment journey that may help them continue to live their best lives. I hope to form strong bonds with every patient who reaches out to MGA for support. I never want anyone to feel alone. Having cared for my father as he battled Parkinson's disease, I know how important it is for patients to talk with others who understand what they are going through. I'm honored to be a part of making those connections and providing those resources.
How did you hear about the Myasthenia Gravis Association and had you ever heard of the disease, myasthenia gravis?
KB: I've spent several years in the rare disease arena, but I had not heard of myasthenia gravis until I saw it mentioned on Kansas City's Nonprofit Connect website. I feel great about becoming a part of an organization that educates the general public and coordinates so seamlessly with healthcare providers to spread the word about myasthenia gravis. This work is vitally important because it could mean that patients are diagnosed more quickly and accurately.
What drove you to further learn about the MGA and the open position?
KB: I was intrigued by such a professional organization being run by a very small team. I was also moved by reading patients' stories and learning what life is like for people who deal with the day-to-day symptoms of myasthenia gravis. I felt if my experience in patient storytelling, public speaking coaching, and rare disease research might make me a difference in a patient's life - I wanted to throw my hat in the ring!
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Thanks for sharing, Kami. We can't wait to further the MGA mission with you!
MGA community members; be on the lookout for Kami as she will be the new face in our KC clinics.
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