June 2015 Volunteer of the Month
The International Cesarean Awareness Network is powered by the selfless efforts of our numerous volunteers. We cannot thank our dedicated volunteers enough for their cooperation and service in assisting ICAN with accomplishing its mission.
In an effort to acknowledge some of our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to offer support, education, and advocacy for the mothers in their area, the International Cesarean Awareness Network is pleased to announce Lisa Keyser as the June 2015 Volunteer of the Month.
Lisa Keyser, this month’s honoree, is a chapter leader with ICAN of Northern Virginia. During her time with ICAN of Northern Virginia, Lisa has helped to expand the reach of her chapter exponentially, helping to fulfill the need for access to support and information on VBAC options in her area.
Get to know our June 2015 Volunteer of the Month:
How long have you been an ICAN member?
I’ve been coming to meetings since 2009, but I don’t think I officially joined until a year or two later.
How did you first find ICAN?
Google was my friend – I found the old, defunct ICAN forums first, which led me to the local support group. I was terrified to attend my first meeting, but I drove over 45 minutes to get there and left feeling like I’d found a safe place. Hearing other women’s stories gave me some perspective and helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in my grief over my cesarean.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
ICAN has done so much for me in helping me heal and grow in the past six years. I truly enjoy paying it forward to other mamas who are experiencing the same feelings that I did, and who are looking for support and answers. We have a great need for more education and VBAC access in our area, and I feel like our chapter has an important role to play in raising awareness and advocating on behalf of pregnant mamas.
Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?
I’m self-employed as a website designer and marketing consultant. I also sing with my church choir and swim with my local Masters swimming team. My free time is almost nonexistent, but my favorite idle activity is reading. I’ve been known to pull all-nighters reading a really good book, though it certainly gets harder the older I get!
What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?
I’ve really enjoyed watching our chapter grow in the past year since I became co-leader. I created new social media accounts and resurrected old ones, and we’ve seen a great resurgence of mom-to-mom support and resource sharing. Our April CAM meeting was the largest we’ve had in ages, with 8 new mamas in attendance, and it was a really awesome experience to know our reach has expanded. On the flip side, as we grow, it’s getting harder for me to keep up with everything! Large meetings can make it difficult to really dedicate the time that each mama deserves, and it’s really hard when I don’t have answers to questions.
Thank you Lisa for all that you do to support birthing women!