Inger Brane, Community Engagement Chair, Kansas City Affiliate

Home Get Involved Volunteer Volunteer Appreciation Month Inger Brane, Community Engagement Chair, Kansas City Affiliate

Inger-BraneInger decided to volunteer with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network after she attended a Kansas City Affiliate meeting a week after losing her sister to pancreatic cancer. She went to the meeting looking for more information, and likely answers that she said she had so desperately been seeking since losing her. It was at this meeting that Inger knew she wanted to get involved. So she went to the affiliate’s PurpleStride as a first step.

After volunteering at several events, Inger knew she wanted to do even more because there was a need for more. She felt like she had the time to dedicate, so she stepped into a leadership role. She was already doing things to connect her city of Lee’s Summit, Mo., so the role of Community Engagement Chair seemed like a great fit. She has a passion for connecting people with our organization. “I think because I have gone through this journey, I can relate to a lot of the stories that I hear,” she said.

“Volunteering has helped me be more aware of the emotions of those who have been affected by pancreatic cancer. Some are ready to get involved, and some aren’t there yet. I just listen and then go from there.

It has also brought me joy because I know I’m helping others. When they think there is nowhere to turn or that no one understands what they are going through, I can be there for them.  It brings me great satisfaction to know that I am providing patients and their families with hope!

“Anyone can and should volunteer with us because you never know when pancreatic cancer could come knocking on your door. I never wanted to be a part of this family, but I know that this is where I belong now. It is going to take all of us to make a difference and help find a cure.”