It all started when…
I went to college. My parents were teachers, so I naturally thought I would follow their path and become a teacher. I loved math, so as a Freshman declared I wanted to be a math teacher. After reaching Calculus 3 as a Sophomore, I knew, teaching math was not for me, so I switched my major to Organizational Communication and had enough credit to get a minor in math. Without knowing it… this was my first punt. Upon graduation I began my career in the insurance and financial industry. After 19 years working in the insurance industry, climbing the corporate ladder, I turned 40 and realized I did not want to work in insurance for 20+ more years…. So I made a career shift. This punt was a biggie, as I became the Executive Director of a local non-profit. (Southeast Nebraska CASA). We advocate for abused and neglected children in 5 counties in Nebraska. I finally found a job that was a lot of work, but brought me true JOY! Then after only 15 months working for CASA, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer. This is when I had to really punt and accept help from my defense. (Marci’s Tribe) From February 2018 - April 2019 I fought cancer. Thankfully I was able to continue to work full time. The kids we serve at CASA helped give me a lot of perspective about life. Honestly, fighting cancer with the support of my “Tribe,” my friends & family & community was fairly easy compared to what the kids CASA advocates for have to endure.
I have always said, someday, I want to write a book. Well, as I was busy starting a family, trying to climb the corporate ladder, my book took the back burner. Then cancer.... Stage IV cancer. So, I told myself that I had to beat it, because I had to tell my story. This story has taken a team…a lot of kicking and screaming, but most importantly the story has continued to grow and develop into something I never saw coming.
In April 2021, I became a Certified Peer Support Specialist in the State of Nebraska. With this, I’m excited to give people hope, to empower change and to love and support people without judgement. I’m excited to see where this leads… I’m excited for my next punt.