Spotlight On Dan Cramer, Volunteer Appreciation Week 2021

 

  I remember meeting Dan over the phone in the summer of 2018. He called us right away after learning about his wife Cassie's metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Soon after, he showed up at our Caregiver Klatch and became a regular. And soon after that, Dan was volunteering to help us expand the program from Minneapolis to St. Paul. What I didn't know then was that Dan was already a master facilitator. It was a skill he had honed in his day job.

"I fancied myself a decent facilitator, but that was before I saw Dan doing it. I was floored. I remember laughing to myself as I watched him that first time. I was supposed to be giving him feedback on his facilitation?! Hilarious! I was the grasshopper and Dan was Mr. Miyagi. 

"He has gone on to lead our Caregiver Klatch efforts. Under his leadership we have adapted to a virtual environment and now we're adapting towards the next new normal. We are now playing with the idea of a national virtual program and with his leadership I have absolutely no doubt it could happen. Dan is not only skilled, he's ambitious too. In fact he recently asked our team, 'What if  Jack’s became the preeminent caregiver discussion/support group across the country?'"
-Kyle Woody, Jack's Founder & Executive Director-

Here are a just a few of the testimonials we've received specifically mentioning one of the Klatches that Dan has led:

I just had to reach out to say thank you. I can't say how I know them for privacy reasons, but I just listened to someone talk about their first experience at one of your gatherings and how WELCOMED they felt. This is someone who is really in need of community and connection, for more reasons than just their caregiver status. Hearing about their experience made me want to cry, in a good way. Keep up the good work and thanks again.
-Anonymous-

I went to a caregiver klatch last night, and it was great -the people made feel very welcome. This, unfortunately, is most unusual, according to my own experience here in Minnesota. The group leader (Dan) was extremely organized, and also very kind. This was the first time since my husband's diagnosis that I haven't felt alone and worried.”
-Pancreatic Cancer Caregiver-

Once again, Dan did an amazing job of facilitating the east side Klatch last night. Every group I continue to be awed by the rich content and connection happening in the room.”
-Ali Cain-

Dan, Why Do You Volunteer For Jack's?

I remember when I first sat down with another Jack's member for a one-on-one and how it felt to not be alone. And to benefit from all of the wisdom from their journey and how much that helped me and Cassie as we navigated our early days.

"I remember the first time I went to the Jack's Caregiver Klatch, our coed discussion groups for caregivers, and I remember how welcomed I was made to feel. How someone handed me a beer when I walked in and introduced me to everyone else, and how easy it was to participate. And I remember the many Klatches I've participated in since then and hearing from so many caregivers and the support they all give each other and how much each and every one of those gatherings has helped me and given me something tangible I can use as we face this terrible illness."
-Dan Cramer-