I sat down with Melissa Clawson, real estate agent, Communications Chair of the Minnesota affiliation of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and volunteer mentor with Bolder Options, to learn more about her involvement in community service.
What is the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network?
Melissa is the Communications Chair for the Minnesota affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, an organization dedicated to supporting people with pancreatic cancer.
"We want to make a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer less scary," says Melissa. "We encourage early detection. If you get tested sooner, you catch it sooner. If you catch it when you're in stage 1, the cure is often very simple. If you catch it when you're in stage 4, it's scary. It's very scary."
Melissa became involved with the organization after the loss of her uncle. "It was really quick," says Melissa. "He went into the doctor for neck pain; we found out that the cancer had spread to his neck. He hung on for a year when he was given 3 months. A diagnosis like that is devastating, but it brings the family closer at the same time."
Today, Melissa brings support and even fun to survivors and their families. "Our biggest fundraiser is the Ride Stride at Harriet Island," says Melissa. "It's not a competitive race. It's a lot of joy about people coming together."
"To survivors and people with a recent diagnosis, I want to say I'm very proud of you," says Melissa. "You have a community of people who want you to get better. There's always hope."
Donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate.
What is Bolder Options?
Bolder Options is a mentorship group for children aged 10-14. "You have a base structure of goals with the mentee you're assigned," Melissa says. "These goals can be anything from 'get better grades in school' to 'make more friends' to 'spend more time outdoors.'"
When mentors apply for the program, they're assigned to a mentee with a personality and location match, to make connecting easy and fun. Activities can include visiting the library, playing games, riding bikes, crafting, gardening, or even just spending time together.
"When I was in my mentorship, my mentee and I did a lot of events," says Melissa. "The goal is to get your mentee through this program in a year. At the end of it, they're still your friend, but you're not as goal-oriented."
Melissa's favorite event was the annual Boundary Waters trip. "A lot of these kids haven't been camping before, so it's an extreme hop to go from not spending much time outdoors to a Boundary Waters trip. The kids love it every year."
To get involved with the organization, Melissa says, "Search for Bolder Options. The application process is very simple. I never thought that I was the type of person to be a mentor, but once you're in it, it's very difficult to see life any other way."
Donate to Bolder Options at bolderoptions.org/support-us.
What are you thankful for?
"Eagan and the Twin Cities area are surrounded by a lot of very good people who are willing to help make a difference in their community," says Melissa. "Giving back is something you can really be thankful for."
