I had the pleasure of introducing 2 of my friends Monday evening over a business dinner.  I was introduced to Pam several years ago through hot air ballooning.  Her son had been diagnosed with AML Leukemia at the age of 14.  I had never really heard the whole story about his diagnosis and the treatment that he went through at St. Jude’s Hospital.

To make a long story short, Trevor (son’s name) had less than a 30% chance of survival when he was admitted to St. Jude Hospital.  He eventually had a bone marrow transplant and just recently hit the magical 5 year mark of being cancer free.

I tell you this story not because of what that family endured during Trevor’s most difficult days, but what I admire most about Pam & her husband, Trevor, and Rudy  (Trevor’s brother) is their passion for giving back to St. Jude.

Trevor was well known at St. Jude for his compassion for the other children who were suffering.  Today he is somewhat of a local celebrity because of his passion and dedication to fundraising for St. Jude.

Pam still works tirelessly on fundraisers through garage sales, auctions, raffles and anything else that will raise money for St. Jude.  She has the prestigious honor of being one of the top individual fundraisers in the Baton Rouge area if not most of Louisiana.

Pam is a master promoter.   She uses Facebook and other social media to the fullest.  Thus the success of her fundraising efforts.

Trevor actually has a team to help with fundraising.  “TEAM TREVOR” is a wonderful group of volunteers who work tirelessly and passionately to do fundraisers for St. Jude.  New t-shirts are done every year with a new slogan for fundraising.  Pam is relentless at promoting through FB and other social media.  (I could use some lessons from her on promoting).   Her next fundraising venture is a Wrapathon.

Trevor was nominated for Subways Senior of the year in 2010 which was a national competition.  Because of Pam’s promoting on social media and because they have a following of people who love and are devoted to them, he won.

Rudy was just recently given an award by Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical for being the top blood & platelet donor in his age group.  He just turned 18 years old.  Quite an accomplishment for a young man.

Trevor is now in his second year college working on becoming a nurse.   He will make the most awesome caregiver that anyone could ever hope for.

Why is Pam such a good fundraiser?  Two simple reasons:  PASSION & PROMOTION.

 

Leslie