April showers bring May flowers...you know what else April brings in May? MGA’s Triple Crown Showdown! The race is one of our biggest awareness and fundraising events of the year and we couldn’t do it without the help of all our volunteers. Friends and family from far and near come together to put on their running (or walking) shoes to support our MGA family. Speaking of volunteers, did you know it’s also volunteer appreciation month? For this month's Feature Friday, we decided to recognize one of our most dedicated volunteers of the MGA Triple Crown Showdown.
This week we are featuring Kristine Henson. Meet Kristine:
What is your name? Where are you from?
KH: My name is Kristine Henson and I currently reside in Boone, Iowa.
Are you able to work? If so, what do you do for a living?
KH: I currently work as a payroll manager for Marsh & McLennan Agency.
What is your role in the MG community?
KH: I am the Race Director for the MGA's Triple Crown Showdown 5k.
Can you describe your role as the Race Director of Triple Crown Showdown 5k?
KH: I help plan all of the 5k race day logistics! Additionally, I work with our race timing and registration companies to get race tees ordered for volunteers and participants.
How long have you been a volunteer for the MGA?
KH: This will be my 10th year on the run committee.
Why did you decide to volunteer for the MGA?
KH: I've always been a runner and loved participating in runs for charity. I'd known the MGA's Director, Allison Foss, for years so when she asked me to help grow the annual event I was more than happy to help!
What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer for the MGA?
KH: I love watching the months of planning culminate on race day morning. Arriving in the dark to get the route marked, helping vendor tents set up, and seeing all the participants and volunteers arrive in their MGA gear. It is so rewarding to cheer on every participant as they cross the finish line, especially the adorable tot trotters! The event has grown tremendously, and each year we have more participants, volunteers, vendors, and sponsors which have allowed us to raise more money for the MGA! Seeing the final amount raised to help support those living with MG makes all that hard work so worth it.
Prior to volunteering for the MGA, had you heard of myasthenia gravis?
KH: I had heard of MG prior to volunteering, but since I started working with the MGA, I have met so many more people with MG. I've also learned how it can affect people so differently.
Is there anything you have learned as a result of serving as a volunteer for the MGA?
KH: Those living with MG are incredibly resilient! Also, all the money we raise is kept locally across Kansas, Missouri, and NW Arkansas to help support patients and families.
How have myasthenia gravis, the MGA, and/or MG patients impacted your own life?
KH: Being a part of the MGA 5k committee has had such a positive impact on my life. I've learned so much from being on a committee of such hardworking and talented individuals.
COVID-19 has changed the way we live and approach things. Has the pandemic impacted the way you volunteer/organize events for the MGA? If so, how?
KH: COVID-19 definitely threw us a curveball in 2020. It was supposed to be our big 10 year anniversary for the run, so we were planning on having over 500 race participants and a huge celebration that day. Unfortunately, we had to take the run virtual, but we still had great participation and were able to raise money for the MGA. It was great to see people all across the United States participate and show their support.
What are you looking forward to as a 2021 volunteer for the MGA?
KH: I'm really looking forward to finally being able to celebrate the 10th Annual MGA 5k in person! It may look and feel a little different than past years, but we are so happy to be back!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
KH: I hope in years to come we are able to do even more to bring awareness and support those living with MG!