Why Join ABWA

Belonging

I want members, old and new, to find a sense of belonging that grows each year. It's a wonderful feeling, but it's also very powerful. It's powerful, for example, to look at your team roster and know that you can call or email a member at any time and ask for help-a connection, an introduction, an opinion-just because you belong.

Dr. Kelly Kilpatrick

About two years ago, ABWA member, Dr. Kelly Kilpatrick was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Her treatment required that she travel to the MD Anderson Cancer Center located in Houston, Texas. The members of Kelly's chapter knew that this was a difficult situation for Kelly, and they were not about to let her go it alone. So they contacted ABWA's Houston Area Council and asked for their support. They got it, and fast. These strangers reached out and supported Kelly as if she were a family member, driving her to and from the hospital, taking her to dinner, and keeping her company throughout her difficult and painful treatments. Kelly belonged.

On Nov. 18, 2008, Kelly lost her 14-month battle with cancer. Shortly thereafter, the members of her chapter gathered together, not for their monthly meeting, but for a celebration of Kelly's life. Kelly's mantra: "Reach into yourself, reach out to your family and friends, and reach up to your spiritual beliefs."

The blessings of belonging are impossible to measure. I am certain that those members who supported Kelly would never have expected their ABWA journey to take them where they went with Kelly, but of course, they wouldn't have had it any other way. In strong and healthy communities like ABWA, we belong where the need is.

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