Jamie Rosenberg: Volunteer Profile

The desire for connection and fellowship drive each and every one of us to seek out teammates that will ride alongside us on the journey that is life. Being a part of a team makes us stronger, more resilient, and more willing to laugh through things that might otherwise be difficult to face alone. For volunteer Jamie Rosenberg, the Mamma Jamma Ride introduced them to a new team to travel through life with, the #savethenipple team. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a 37 year old who has lived in Austin for almost 3 years. I am originally from Atlanta, GA and have lived all over the U.S. For work I am a personal assistant, and I am currently a senior at Antioch University Online. I like going to eat vegan food at all the lovely spots we have here in Austin, playing guitar and singing, hiking with my dog, drinking coffee, playing with alcohol inks (an art medium) and swimming. 

Who or what drives your participation?

This year the #savethenipple team really motivated me to volunteer. I joined their team this year to honor my grandmother who died of breast cancer before I got to meet her.  #savethenipple generates so much excitement through their fundraising events and social media posts/photos. I love that the Mamma Jamma Ride raises money to help those living with breast cancer to get the services that they need. It really sets this ride apart, helping survivors thrive! I love the team building and community that is built through the training and fundraising process. 

Do you have any advice on fundraising or participating in the ride?

Be brave! Don’t be afraid to ask for donations! You never know who will want to support you. I e-mailed a bunch of extended family (also posted my link all over my social media) asking for donations and for some reason that didn’t pan out. A handful of days later, I asked my dad to send an e-mail to the same family members and some colleagues to see if his influence would get their donations rolling in. Lo and behold- it did! One of his colleagues donated $250 and even sent my fundraising link to some colleagues in Dallas which resulted in ANOTHER large donation. You never know who has been affected by breast cancer,  and you never know who will want to help.

 I also did “shoutout videos” on social media thanking my donators while reporting my progress on the goal and what I needed to make it. I think people liked the shoutouts, it made them feel special and like they are a part of something bigger. Be just as grateful for the smaller donations as you are the larger ones, gratitude feels so good! Mamma Jamma has helped to build my confidence around fundraising and being a member of a team!

By Alex Keefe, Communication Intern