Volunteers

Emily started fundraising for Dr. Rowe almost a decade ago. Her birthday donation requests grew to become Rowe's Research Runners. After a quarter of a century of living with chronic illness, Emily finds purpose and passion in disability advocacy, awareness and connection. When she's not blogging at Chronically Emily, working on RRR, or connecting with fellow patients, she finds joy in delicious food; snuggling with her two pups; spending time with her mom, friends and family; listening to audiobooks; going for stRolls in her wheelchair; being at the beach; and cheering on the Golden State Warriors.

A Little Bit About Me: I am a self-proclaimed nerd and geek! I enjoy reading, loom knitting,
playing Dungeons & Dragons with my friends, and doing data analysis work as part of my
career. I am currently working on my Masters in Management with a concentration in Project
Management. I live with my cat Simba, who keeps me in cuddles and nudges to get out of bed.

Why I Volunteer: Dr. Rowe truly was my guiding light during a time when I had given up hope
of ever being “normal” or healthy. I volunteer to help support his work, and his ability to help
others like me. I also volunteer in support of Emily Steffensmeier, the founder of RRR, who has
become a very close friend and an integral source of support in my life.

My Connection to Dr. Rowe: I am a patient of Dr. Rowe’s since late 2004/early 2005. My
primary diagnoses are ME/CFS and NMH/POTS, among other things!

A Little Bit About Me: I spend my days writing about and for other people in my role as an editorial director at Penn State, but rarely write about myself! I am the mom to two witty and sarcastic teens, dog mom to two adorable Shelties, an avid traveler, and a somewhat reluctant companion on my husband's RV camping excursions. I spend my free time hiking with friends and planning my next trip. I wish I had a crafty hobby, but after trying to learn how to knit three different times, I gave up. I live for sunrises and sunsets, much to my family's chagrin.

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Why I Volunteer: I volunteer because of Emily - it's that simple. We met in 2017 when she attended a campaign event for my husband, who was running for county judge. I was inspired by her enthusiasm and commitment to helping others with illnesses like hers, and realized I had a skill set that could aid in her efforts. I now assist with the website and event-specific social media.

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My Connection to Dr. Rowe: Emily! :)

Pacey has been fundraising for Rowe's Research Runners since its inception in 2017. She joined to help give back to Dr. Rowe and to connect with other patients. Pacey is beyond grateful to be a part of Rowe's Research Runners and has met so many wonderful people through it. In an effort to spread more awareness of Dr. Rowe's research, Pacey created our Instagram account in 2020 and continues to help manage it.

Chronically ill for 19 years, Pacey lives with ME/CFS, POTS, Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, and was recently diagnosed with MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome).

She has always had a passion for advocacy and activism and is thankful to be able to help as much as she can from home. Pacey loves singing, adaptive dance, being a part of the chronic illness and disability community and volunteering for the non-partisan organization When We All Vote.

Wade has been a patient of Dr. Rowe's since age 7, and owes much of his current quality of life to Dr. Rowe's guidance.

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He is currently working as a front-end web development consultant. In his free time, Wade enjoys spending time with friends and family, creative endeavors, and sleeping in.