“It felt good to be able to raise funds for research,” says Michelle Peterson. “I don’t always feel in control of my disease, but this is something positive I can do to help contribute and fight autoimmune diseases.” Michelle joined a group of people raising awareness and donations during March, which is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, for Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI).
Virginia Mason Foundation team members provided Michelle and her team with the tools to set up fundraising pages on the Internet. They also provided information and tips on getting the word out to colleagues, friends and family. “I was honored to be invited to join this effort and I’m really impressed with the work that BRI does,” says Michelle, who is director of communications and public relations at Virginia Mason. “I wanted to spread the word.”
Work Toward Cures
Michelle was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 9 years old and has lived with the condition for more than 40 years. “Ultimately, I’m hoping BRI can continue to advance autoimmune disease research and work toward cures. These conditions affect millions of people and their families. It’s a real burden to live with them every day.”
Michelle set her fundraising goal and was thrilled to reach it within the month. She put the word out on her Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts and was thankful for the generous response. “This was a good way to raise funds and awareness,” says Michelle.
The Foundation staff is happy to help people who want to raise funds personally for Virginia Mason, Bailey-Boushay House or Benaroya Research Institute, but don’t have the tools. For more information, visit Community Fundraising.
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