Name: Makayla
Volunteer Position/s: Halifax Walk for Immunodeficiency 2024 – set-up and registration desk, meeting Halifax mayor [for World Primary Immunodeficiency Week]
When did you start volunteering with us?
I started volunteering for ImmUnity Canada in my first year of university, last year.
What motivated you to volunteer?
Moving to a new city with so much to offer, I wanted to get to know my community more and network with like-minded individuals. When I started my search, this position caught my eye, as it included some of my favorite activities, such as exercise, health, and learning.
Tell us a little about what you’ve done as a volunteer
As a volunteer for ImmUnity Canada, I helped set up and make sure the Halifax Walk for Immunodeficiency went smooth. I helped run the registration desk, pass out t-shirts and other gear. With this, I have obtained lots of knowledge on what PI looks like in the eyes of patients, doctors, and nurses throughout my volunteering experience.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for us?
Volunteering for ImmUnity Canada has taught me so much about primary immunodeficiency, and I enjoy sharing my information with peers. The educational session was highly informative with information on patient care, lifestyle, and treating PI. This information helped me in tremendously in university; and I presented an informative slideshow about PI in Canada, what’s available, and the next steps. I also enjoy the benefits of volunteering, such as our Christmas zoom gathering and connecting with friends I met months ago. I love to stay social and keep in touch, and ImmUnity Canada continues to actively keep me informed and active in the world of primary immunodeficiency.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a volunteer and how did you go about achieving it?
My greatest accomplishment as a volunteer was getting out of my comfort zone, meeting like-minded people and educating myself. Knowledge is power, and speaking on a new topic and raising awareness has been an appreciable moment for myself. Listening to the PI-Podcast by ImmUnity Canada, I learned about gene therapy for primary immunodeficiency and what Canada is doing for these patients. I presented my findings and thoughts in school, educating my professor on primary immunodeficiency in Canada with patient stories and what is next in the world of PI. Additionally, meeting the mayor of Halifax and educating him will be a great accomplishment for me and ImmUnity Canada. This all became possible because I expanded my knowledge, came out of my comfort zone to speak about what I believe is important, and met new, lovely people, such as Fiona [ImmUnity Canada Project & Volunteer Co-ordinator]!
What have you learned about yourself from volunteering with ImmUnity Canada?
From volunteering with ImmUnity Canada, I have learned my love for patient advocation and support. As an aspiring pharmacist, it will be one of my duties to make sure my patients get the best care and information, to ensure the best for health and safety. ImmUnity Canada’s inspiring events and advocation for primary immunodeficiency to be more readily diagnosed has inspired me to advocate for future patients and let them know they have a support system.
How has volunteering for us had an impact on you?
Volunteering for ImmUnity Canada has given me an enhanced knowledge on the topic of Immunodeficiency. Before joining, I had no previous experience on the subject, but going into the healthcare world, I knew this would be a benefit for me. Now that I have had the chance to educate myself in PI, I understand the complexity, challenge, and
issues it raises for people who experience primary immunodeficiency. Seeing the patient stories at the educational session, seeing the young people live such an improved quality of life, and the lovely care they receive, it was inspiring to see what ImmUnity Canada’s advocacy for these children has done. Now, I want to continue this and share what I have learned with my community, to bulid on their understanding of why this is of high importance in Canada’s healthcare system.
If you could encourage someone else to volunteer for ImmUnity Canada, what would you say?
I would absolutely recommend this experience to someone else. I would highlight this rewarding role helps primary immunodeficiency be more recognized in our healthcare system, by partaking in events and using your voice to raise awareness. The people behind the scenes are lovely, helpful, and inspiring. All together, we are helping Canadians become more educated in immunodeficiency across the country, and raising awareness to get people diagnosed and thrive. If you want to connect in your community and support, a spot in ImmUnity Canada is waiting for you.
What is one of your hidden talents that not many people know about?
One of my hidden talents people don’t know, is that I am ambidextrous!