I wanted to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Finance and Program Director, Jamie Cohen, as she celebrates her 10-year anniversary with DSF on November 10, 2024. This milestone is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our team, our community, and our mission.
Jamie first joined the staff part-time in 2014 as our second staff member. Little did we know then what a powerhouse she would become! From day one, Jamie brought a unique blend of passion and determination that has significantly shaped our organization.
Before we were able to expand our team, the early years were a unique experience for Jamie and me. It was just the two of us on staff, wearing many hats and navigating the challenges that came our way. We tackled everything from fundraising and outreach to program development and administrative tasks, often working long hours to lay the groundwork for what we envisioned DSF could become.
During that time, Jamie’s adaptability and resourcefulness shone through. She seamlessly shifted between roles, whether it was managing our financials, helping to coordinate events, or connecting with patient families. Her ability to juggle so many responsibilities while maintaining a positive attitude made those early days not only extremely productive, but also enjoyable and fun.
Though there were times of great challenge, those days were filled with countless moments of collaboration and creativity. Together, we built strong relationships and created a foundation that would allow us to grow and thrive as an organization. Looking back, I am so grateful for Jamie’s partnership and dedication during those formative years; they truly set the stage for the success we continue to achieve today.
As we celebrate her 10-year anniversary, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared and the countless ways she has helped us grow. We are excited to continue this journey together, knowing that with Jamie on our team, we can continue to achieve great things in the fight against Dravet syndrome.
Thank you, Jamie, for being an essential part of DSF and our journey. You have truly set a standard of excellence. We are truly fortunate to have you on our team, and I look forward to many more years of collaborating to make meaningful change in the field of Dravet syndrome.
With Deepest Gratitude,
Mary Anne & Team DSF
