Pam Barclay has been named the Team Challenge endurance manager for the Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.
Barclay, an Oxford resident and alumnus of Central Michigan University, is returning to Michigan after having worked as a volunteer services counselor at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.
‘It’s an opportunity to return home, not only to Michigan but to family in the office’metaphorically speaking’as well,? said Barclay, who began her new job Oct. 15.
Her job responsibilities as endurance manager will be to implement and manage the Team Challenge endurance program to include marketing to recruit participants and potential sponsors and coordinating program logistics.
Barclay, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree from CMU and a Master of Science in administration with a leadership concentration, previously worked for CCFA as a volunteer. Michigan Chapter CCFA Executive Director Bernie Riker said that gave her an advantage for the job. He cited her work, specifically, as a volunteer counselor with CCFA’s Camp Oasis.
What’s more is that not only did Barclay participate in a January 2008 team challenge endurance event, but she also participated in a half marathon at the event as well.
‘She trained with the team and raised money to support the program,? Riker said. ‘With Pam’s obvious commitment and dedication to the organization, when she expressed an interest in the team challenge position, we talked and she the right person for the job. We’re extremely happy to have her.?
Barclay added: ‘I’ve been involved with the organization for years, and to get offered the job was incredible. For me, this is a prime example of the need to get involved.?
The Oxford resident looks forward to traveling around the Great Lakes State and sharing the importance of the work done at CCFA and increasing awareness of the disease.
She also plans to work on convincing people to run or walk the 13.1 miles of half marathons that will help to raise funds for CCFA. The money goes to provide services for IBD patients and towards finding a cure.
From Nov. 14-17, Barclay and her team will travel to San Antonio to participate with five others from Michigan in a half marathon. They’ll be joining about 230 others from chapters around the nation to participate in the half marathon in categories from beginning walker to advanced runner.
She estimated that the San Antonio event will bring in more than a million dollars, with more than 75 cents of every dollar going to patient services and programs and research.
CCFA is a non-profit, voluntary health organization that works to improve the quality of life for those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis’known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases. CCFA was founded in 1967. Its website is located at www.ccfa.org.