After being diagnosed, I began volunteering at ABCF in 1996. One of my friends was the President of ABCF at the time, and she got me interested in science, being around people whom I might be able to help. I knew I wanted to do more, and in 1999 I became a board member and corresponding secretary. I later became President for 4 years then happy to turn it over to Beth Emery. I have met some wonderful patient advocates from all over the world who I would not know without ABCF. It is an honor and privilege to be a board member.