The Best Things in Life are Unexpected January 5, 2021 The phrase “the best things in life are unexpected” reigns true to my experience with ZERO. As I was searching for internships with different non-profit organizations, ZERO was the one that tugged at my heart the most. Having lost my father to cancer five years ago, I knew that I wanted to work for an organization that fights for men’s health and supports them mentally and emotionally. I felt a deep connection to the Caregiver Connector Program and have always wished for a program that supports the family because as you all know cancer does not just affect the one person diagnosed, but the whole family unit. During my time as a Fundraising & Development Intern, I have connected with hundreds of men and their families who are all linked together by one thing, prostate cancer. In my experience, I am so moved when I speak to a man who has been prostate cancer-free for many years but is still helping in the fight to end prostate cancer. Any donation, no matter how big or small, makes such a big impact in the lives of men and families fighting prostate cancer, whether it is towards research, education, or patient support. I believe so strongly that with the help of ZERO, the next generation will be the first generation free from prostate cancer. If you want to hear more about my ZERO internship, you can check out this short video: Blog Posts Help & Support Contributor Maria McCormack Maria is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She was a Fundraising & Development Intern on the Non-Event Giving Team and has loved her time forging relationships with donors, patients, champions, volunteers, and fellow staff mates. Before joining the intern program, Maria served on the executive board of IlliniThon, University of Illinois’ Dance Marathon, as the Director of Member Engagement. Her experience with IlliniThon and ZERO combined with her personal experience with cancer in her family has given her the passion and drive to work for non-profit organizations that focus on bettering the lives of patients and families who have been affected by cancer or other life-threatening diseases. More for you
The phrase “the best things in life are unexpected” reigns true to my experience with ZERO. As I was searching for internships with different non-profit organizations, ZERO was the one that tugged at my heart the most. Having lost my father to cancer five years ago, I knew that I wanted to work for an organization that fights for men’s health and supports them mentally and emotionally. I felt a deep connection to the Caregiver Connector Program and have always wished for a program that supports the family because as you all know cancer does not just affect the one person diagnosed, but the whole family unit. During my time as a Fundraising & Development Intern, I have connected with hundreds of men and their families who are all linked together by one thing, prostate cancer. In my experience, I am so moved when I speak to a man who has been prostate cancer-free for many years but is still helping in the fight to end prostate cancer. Any donation, no matter how big or small, makes such a big impact in the lives of men and families fighting prostate cancer, whether it is towards research, education, or patient support. I believe so strongly that with the help of ZERO, the next generation will be the first generation free from prostate cancer. If you want to hear more about my ZERO internship, you can check out this short video:
