I wasn't planning on coming to the University of Florida and knew nothing about the people or community. The one thing I did know was that while I needed to have an open mind going into recruitment, my life’s work has been fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. From 4th grade until my senior year of high school, I worked for the hospital and met hundreds of Delta Delta Delta's from across the U.S. who shared my passion and love for St. Jude.
Growing up in Memphis and having a brother who went through treatment at St. Jude exposed me to girls who cared so much about each other and their sisterhood, while also showing me what a great mission St. Jude has. They work to ensure that “No child dies in the dawn of life” according to St. Jude's founder Danny Thomas. St. Jude has helped improve the childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% in the past 60 years, while not charging patient families a dime. My brother just celebrated 10 years of being cancer free, and it’s all due to the miraculous work being done by the nurses, doctors, and fundraisers at St. Jude.
As a young girl, 3 time intern, and now as Director of Philanthropy for Delta Delta Delta, I stand behind St. Jude’s mission and get to work with my sisters to fundraise for, in my opinion, the best place there is! This year we just hosted our annual Silent Auction Brunch which raised over $11,000 for St. Jude. As well as selling Valentine’s candy-grams and hosting a softball tournament in the fall, this chapter puts in the effort for a cause that every member believes in.
Watching the girls I call my best friends, roommates, future bridesmaids, and forever sisters tell the world about a hospital that works tirelessly to save children like my brother has been one of the greatest honors of my experience here at the University of Florida and within Delta Delta Delta.
There is a reason philanthropy consists of a whole round of recruitment, for it is such a strong foundation of every sorority within Panhellenic and that is so visible in the life of every chapter.
Thank you UF Delta Delta Delta for loving me, and loving my passion for helping others, especially the kids at St. Jude. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together during the rest of my time here.
With Love,
Madison Dismuke <3