Name: Michelle
Volunteer Position/s: Community Connect Facilitator for Older Adults
When did you start volunteering with us? January 2024
What motivated you to volunteer?
Living with CVID myself, I understand how isolating and overwhelming the journey can feel–especially as an adult navigating a rare condition.
Tell us a little about what you’ve done as a volunteer:
Currently, I facilitate a monthly Zoom meeting for Older Adults with PI across Canada. A few years ago, I volunteered as a Peer Support (one to one) for CIPO (former title).
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for us?
The sense of connection and community is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing how people open up over time and the mutual support that naturally flows within the group. Knowing that our monthly chats help others (including myself), feel less alone, supported, heard, and more empowered; makes every moment of my time worthwhile.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a volunteer and how did you go about achieving it?
My greatest accomplishment is building a consistent, trusted space where older adults with PI feel comfortable sharing their stories. Hearing someone say, “this has helped me more than I expected”, or “I really look forward to these meetings”; reminds me how impactful simple human connection can be.
What have you learned about yourself from volunteering with ImmUnity Canada?
Volunteering has shown me how much strength there is in vulnerability–and how valuable lived experiences can be when it’s used to support and uplift others. I’ve learned that I feel fulfilled each time I have a meeting and that having compassion for others and offering up your time, creates a happiness and joy deep inside yourself that you can’t get elsewhere.
How has volunteering for us had an impact on you?
Volunteering for ImmUnity Canada (specifically) has helped me to turn a personal health challenge into a source of purpose and growth. It has given me a deeper sense of belonging and reminded me that I still have so much to contribute. It has helped me focus outward and connect with others in meaningful ways, which has been incredibly
healing for myself.
If you could encourage someone else to volunteer for ImmUnity Canada, what would you say?
JUST DO IT……trust me, you won’t regret it. Your own story matters, and your voice can and will make a difference to others. You don’t have to be an expert–just being present, giving space, and willing to listen can be so powerful. Volunteering with ImmUnity Canada gives you a chance to be a part of a compassionate community that truly understands where you are coming from. Your impact might be greater than you
ever could have imagined.
What is one of your hidden talents that not many people know about?
For the past 5 years (shortly after my diagnosis), at the age of 52, I started to Snowmobile in the Mountains. We go to Valemount and Blue River, BC (5 hour trip) numerous times from December through April and we are skidooing above the treeline, in the alpine (at an elevation of between 6000-8000 feet). It is the most beautiful
experience to be up there and to know that I am still active and able to live my life to the
fullest.
What type of superpower has living with a PI given you and why?
Empathy….Living with PI has taught me to see beyond the surface and understand the silent struggles that others face. It has taught me to always be curious and not judgemental; every person has a story and has difficult things that they are silently dealing with–so have compassion and curiosity, as opposed to judgement. This has made me become a better listener and a more compassionate human being. This deep sense of empathy has become my superpower–it helps me to connect with others in a truly deep and meaningful way.