Tammy Rayborne

Tammy Rayborne  was recently diagnosed with Cancer.  If you know her, then you love her, and that sentence must strike concern deep in your heart, like it did mine.  A few weeks ago, she answered my phone call, because it was the scheduled time of our weekly committee meeting.  She answered to apologize for not being able to participate in the call, despite the fact she was being rushed by ambulance to a hospital.  Concerned of an organization's efforts and not her own health was just Tammy being her altruistic, beautiful self.


She and her family have been volunteering at The Heron  for well over 27 years.   She is a Volunteer Coordinator and Chief of Headquarters for all our events, including one festival of over 7,000 attendees  (No easy task!).  She cares for her husband with a chronic illness, teenage son,  adorable granddaughter and for many people with special needs living in Warren, PA  and the surrounding area.    She cares for our volunteers (one event has over 700) with patience, smiles and a great sense of humor.   Amongst other nonprofits, she's very involved with the Special Olympics where she was recently recognized for becoming a bronze level coach.  Where I work, Tammy is the calming voice in a stressful moment and the warm hug at the end of a long day that makes you feel appreciated. 

She's made a personal difference in so many lives and now faces major surgery to remove the Cancer (with likely success!), however will be unable to work for at least three months.  The procedure will likely be after our next yearly event at the beginning of July, and soon after, she will be in the hospital for at least 2 weeks.  During the three month recovery, her husband (unable to work), teenage son and  granddaughter will undoubtedly do their best to get her through, however she will be unable to pay her bills and is already falling behind.  It seems obvious to help the person who is always there for us,  but the way Tammy loves and helps others, it's like an investment into an exponential pay-it-forward movement. I love her so much and appreciate any amount donated, every share and every kind word that anyone expresses in her regard.  If only we could all give Tammy a nickel for each warm, loving hug, she wouldn't have to struggle and fret while recovering.  We love you, Tammy!