Monday March 16

Good morning, I had a great spring break but it is time to get back to work. The wifi was absolutely horrible today so we did not get as much as I wanted to. We started off by writing thank you notes to people that sponsored and assisted with the Breast Friends Brunch. During this time we got to see two patients ring the bell! It was the sweetest joy. We finished up and then we grabbed a volunteer to help us load water in the back of Amy’s car. Amy and I escorted the water over to the Oconee office where Strollin’ will take place this Friday. We went over there, unloaded, and did quick chats with some of the staff. When we left we picked up Chick-Fil-A because we had no lunch scheduled so we were gone for a while. Then we went back and chatted with Melissa about the run of the show for Strollin’ and then met back in Amy’s office. Due to the WIFI being so bad we had to move down to a conference room where Melissa and I worked on a good amount of social media. Following this, Melissa left and Amy and I went over to the Breast Health Building. We did some inventory in the foundation closet for Strollin’ and then we waited for Amanda to arrive. Amanda makes these hoodies called Healing Hoodies for those with breast cancer. They are absolutely fabulous and I got to meet her and take some photos of what she does when she drops off the hoodies. We came back from Breast and for the last 30 minutes I went downstairs and worked on social media again!

Wednesday, March 18 

Happy Birthday to me!!! Today we went into the office at 8 like normal. We have the vendor fair later today and both Strollin’ for the Colon and Stick it to Cancer hockey game on Saturday. 

We started the morning off by going over Strollin’ logistics. We reviewed and made comments on the run of show and then created a map that would best work for the event. Following this we had a meeting with Dr.Yi. Dr.Yi is moderating the event so we wanted to make sure she was comfortable with everything.Following this we unloaded Mollys’ car which was full of snacks for the infusion floor and satellite buildings. Then we helped create vendor tables and tshirt signs for Strollin’. We came back around 4 for the vendor fair. Molly had me at a check in booth for a majority of the sign. We required doctors that participated to sign their attendance. The vendor fair had a lot of oncology drug and machine representatives at different tables spread across the lobby. I was able to mingle with some of the reps and doctors. The event ended and we grabbed some naps, then proceeded to help clean up by following tables and placing wheelchairs back in their designated areas. 

Thursday, March 19 

I am so so grateful that Amy and Molly let me come in at 9 today! We had a meeting for Strollin’ for the Colon. A lot of it was just updating each other on everything completed like the T-shirts, volunteer info, event lots, etc. We called and ensured food was being provided as well as ordered additional to be ready for Saturday. All day I spent setting up and doing little things to make Saturday easier. We have ribbons, bracelets, footballs, sunglasses, photo booth props, cowbells, hand clappers, and so much more. I labeled a lot of the products that weren’t already with our logo. We set up signs that people can sing “why they walk/who they walk for” that we will be putting alongside the walking path. I sealed and peeled some toilet paper rolls for our games that we are setting up for the children.Then I updated my blog, because I did get slightly behind. 

Saturday, March 21 

Happy Saturday! The day was finally here, Strollin’ for the Colon and Rock Lobsters stick it to hockey! This morning we reported to the Oconee building at 7:45 in the morning. We got straight to work. We set up all the tables, tents, colon, hung up signs, labeled booths, set up the check in booth, activities, and more. I was mainly tasked with setting up the event to directly correlate the map we created. Then we had a volunteer and game plan meeting. During this Molly took the lead as she assigned all of us captains to volunteers. I was manning the colonoscopy booth so I was not in charge of volunteers and continued to help with set up after the meeting. After setting up the entire event- merch and making sure all the vendor tables were ready, we finally opened the event to everyone! We went through the run of the show exactly as planned. Waited for guests to arrive, led with stretches, had a doctor and geneticist speak, did jazzercise, participated in the walk. Then as people were done walking we flipped the check in tables into food tables. Handed out food, then we had a survivor story. Being in charge of the colonoscopy booth I asked screening questions to participants to see their eligibility for a colonoscopy for our giveaway. Following this I helped a group of girls run the lemonade stand. We cleaned up as best we could following the meeting and then we went back home and rebooted for the Stick it to Cancer event. We met at Akins Ford arena around 2:30, where we had our colon set up, and were giving out UCBC bracelets and glow sticks for the event! This was so fun and we did it until game time. Then we had time to watch the game and hear cancer survivor stories during it!

Week of 3/16- 3/22 Matched with Competencies and Reflection 

2.1.2 Facilitate collaborative efforts among priority populations, partners, and stakeholders.

6.4.3 Develop communication aids, materials, or tools using appropriate multimedia (e.g., infographics, presentation software, brochures, and posters).

This week we all worked together to finalize plans for our three events: Vendor fair, Strollin’ for the Colon, and Stick it to Cancer Rock Lobster Hockey game. We had a meeting for the Strollin’ group and Dr.Y reviewed logistics and coordinated the run of the show. I also assisted Amy when meeting with the lady from Healing Hoodies.

2.4.2 Develop materials needed for implementation.

We created signage, labels, organized giveaways, and made an event map and run of shows for Strollin, Vendor, and Stick it to Cancer. I helped with the children’s activities supplies and came up with activities. I prepared why we walk signs to go out during the walk and are now also on display at our building!

3.1.2 Arrange for implementation services.

I assisted with transporting supplies between locations, organizing vendor tables, and confirmed food services for all events.

3.2.4 Deliver health education and promotion as designed.

During Strollin’ for the Colon i was in charge of the colonoscopy booth. Here I asked screening questions and educated participants on colonoscopy screening. I also engaged with the community at both vendor fairs and stick it to cancer where we promoted the foundation and distributed resources.

7.2.3 Demonstrate leadership through independent initiative and problem-solving.

7.3.7 Facilitate the engagement and retention of staff and volunteers.

I helped the volunteers get most of Strollin’ for the Colon set up using the map we created. Managed the colonoscopy booth. Participated in team briefings and helped maintain a supportive environment throughout the events. I assisted with check-in and flow during the vendor fair

8.1.4 Promote health equity.

Strolllin’ for the Colon and Stick it to Cancer both increase access to cancer education, screening opportunities, and community resources. I connected patients with preventative care services and overall promoted health equity. 

Weekly reflection

This week was so so busy! With my birthday and all 3 events going on at work I was running off pure jet fuel. I am really grateful for the team here and everywhere, all the volunteers. This place really is the best. We worked most of the week in a group setting but I still held a lot of responsibility preparing for each event. We had over 200 people come to Strollin’ for the Colon and I was able to combine both my worlds by educating people on colorectal cancer awareness. The rock lobster game was beautiful as there were so many amazing testimonies. This week was long and had a lot of mini set ups to do, but all worth it in the end.