By Milybet Cepeda, EdD
“Volunteering is a gift for you. It can be the best thing you do for your community and for yourself.”
Since high school, I have volunteered for various causes—food drives and events for diabetes and cancer, to name a few. When my son, Omar, was born in 2004, I promised myself I would teach him the importance of giving back. Having participated in the AIDS Walk New York since 1998, it was soon to be Omar’s first walk in 2005 when he was just 10 months old.
At birth, Omar was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A, giving me a whole new cause in which to be involved. We have since participated in many bleeding disorders events.
We moved from New Jersey to Florida in 2007 and were soon involved with the local hemophilia organizations. In 2015, we moved back to New Jersey and continue our commitment to our local organizations. I have made connections and cultivated many friendships within the bleeding disorders community through these groups and events. These excellent organizations helped my family tremendously with advocacy, education, and emotional support. In turn as a family, we do what we can to help raise funds so they can continue their mission of providing programs and services to enhance the quality of life in the bleeding disorders community.
In addition to participating in and serving on fundraising walk and educational committees, I have been a guest speaker and have emceed while Omar and my husband, Harry, as deejays, get the crowds moving to awesome music! We also gather our friends and family members to join us! We have been able to raise funds in some unique ways—hosting a yard sale, raffling a handmade quilt featuring the school’s name at my 20th high school reunion, and my niece donating a portion of her sweet 15 birthday gift money to our local chapter. All these little things can make a difference!
People volunteer for a variety of reasons. It may be to support a cause they are passionate about, to make new friends, for something to do while the kids are at school, or to fill the hours for those who are empty-nesters or retired. We often volunteer to assist groups or individuals who may need the help or to impart our been-there, done-that experiences. We volunteer because we know it makes a difference in the world in which we live.
Volunteering can have enormous and surprising benefits for you as well. It can provide a sense of achievement and enrichment. It increases self-confidence, offers a sense of community and gives you something to be proud of. It can teach new skills and expand knowledge, help discover hidden talents, and open doors of opportunity by expanding your resume and perhaps increasing career opportunities.
For me, there are mental health benefits in getting involved. When I donate my time and connect with others, I am less likely to feel sad or lonely. It provides me with a sense of purpose and helps me build friendships and a network of people I can rely on. Volunteering serves as a stress reducer and has helped me deal better with painful struggles. It fills my soul and leaves me with a fuzzy feeling in my heart. Volunteering makes me smile.
There are many ways to volunteer within your community. If you’re unable to volunteer in person, for example, because of distance, there are other ways to contribute. Serve on planning committees, organize a walk team, write articles for an organization as a way to share your experiences and knowledge, be a contact for a newly diagnosed family, participate in advocacy projects such as State and Washington Days, volunteer as a counselor at a bleeding disorders camp, or help out at a fundraising golf tournament. There are countless ways to make the most of your time while giving to a worthwhile cause!
Get started by contacting a local or national bleeding disorders chapter, and find out what you can do to help. Most are eager to engage volunteers. Seek opportunities that align with your values and experience. Life can be more positive, satisfying, social, and fun when you volunteer!
I Volunteer for:
For my son, Omar, who is destined for greatness. I love you, Papo!
For those who choose to care, cheer on, and be part of my son’s life
For my dear father who passed away due to hemophilia complications
For me... I have hemophilia too
For parents whose child was recently diagnosed
To help boost hemophilia research and advocacy
For the bleeding disorders community because they are my family
To never forget how far we’ve come with resources, effective treatments, and blood safety
For the survivors
Because it takes a village to support all children with a chronic health condition
To raise awareness and educate others to better understand bleeding disorders
About Milybet Montijo-Cepeda, EdD
Dr. Milybet Montijo-Cepeda holds a Doctorate in Education specializing in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University of South Florida. Her dissertation was on: Resilience Among Parents of Children with Hemophilia. Dr. Cepeda has served as a special education teacher for more than 21 years, a motivational speaker, a meditation and mindfulness instructor, and a Walk emcee. Milybet resides in New Jersey with her family.
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