Hey there! My name is Abby, and I'm the director of the Headband Heroes program at Headbands of Hope. I wanted to share my story of becoming involved with Headbands of Hope and the special journey that it's been for me!
When I was a junior at North Carolina State University, Jess came in to speak in one of my classes. I was thrilled that this notable alumni (pretty much a celebrity at NC State) would be coming in to speak. I'd heard of Headbands of Hope and had wanted to become more involved. After her speech, she mentioned that she needed two volunteers for an upcoming event and that the first two people to email her would get to help out. As soon as I got out of class I sent her an email and luckily I was one of the first two people-so there my journey with Headbands of Hope started!
Me and Jess my senior year of college!
After volunteering at the event, I became a Headband Hero and got as involved as I could. It's hard to balance everything in college, but I felt such a sense of purpose from contributing to the mission of Headbands of Hope that it added so much to my college experience. I loved hosting tables at events and would sign up for ones all over Raleigh.
My senior year, I was helping at the first ever Duke Children's prom and still remember it as one of the best nights of my life. My piece of advice to college students is to create memories by being involved in things you love and care about, and those are what you will remember. I got to bring headbands up to the patients on the oncology floor who weren't able to go to prom, and it was one of the most special memories ever.
My first headband donation at Duke Children's Hospital.
When I'm not working, you might find me doing yoga, catching up on reality TV shows, reading a book, exploring local coffee shops, or traveling!
I'd love to get to know you. Say hey at heroes@headbandsofhope.com!
