The International Cesarean Awareness Network is powered by the selfless efforts of our numerous volunteers. We cannot thank our dedicated volunteers enough for their cooperation and service in assisting ICAN with accomplishing its mission.
In an effort to acknowledge some of our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to offer support, education, and advocacy for the mothers in their area, the International Cesarean Awareness Network is pleased to announce Tabatha DiDomenico as the October 2014 Volunteer of the Month.
Tabatha DiDomenico, chapter leader of ICAN of East Central Florida, has served ICAN in various ways by standing in the gap to assist with major tasks that needed to be accomplished. One such task was the complete overhaul of the ICAN main website. Tabatha generously donated her time to help us complete the site when we ran across technical difficulties with its completion. She also stepped up to take over as Publication Coordinator of our quarterly newsletter, The Clarion, as well as the leader of our IT team.
Locally, Tabatha played an integral role in the success of the Central Florida Mom Prom, which took place in April of this year in Orlando, Florida. This fundraiser helped to elevate the level of awareness in her local area about cesarean issues while simultaneously giving women a reason to cut loose and have a great time.
Get to know our October 2014 Volunteer of the Month:
How long have you been an ICAN member?
I have been a paying member since 2011, although I attended meetings and participated in ICAN of Orlando’s Yahoo! Group since September 2008.
How did you first find ICAN?
I found ICAN while searching online for information for local providers for VBACs.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
After the invaluable support I received from ICAN of Orlando after my unnecessary cesarean, I saw a need for the same support closer to home. I am motivated to continue every time I learn of a woman that felt supported by our chapter. Also, I get to hold babies at meetings. (Smile)
Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?
I am employed full time as an Internet Marketing Manager for an eCommerce company. I am a technologist, designer, and activist. My passions include reproductive and birth rights, increasing opportunities for informed decision making, and leveraging technology and design to improve social problems.
What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?
My proudest moment was absolutely the success of the first Central Florida Mom Prom. Scanning the room that night and seeing the crowded dance floor, laughing faces, and happy women in attendance made the previous months of hard work worth it. It was particularly special for me to plan this event with the ICAN members that have supported me and so many other women in our area. The hardest moment as a volunteer came after a mother in our chapter met cruel, punitive care as a home birth transfer at a local hospital. While being heartbroken for her, in the weeks and months following her birth it was difficult to see how we could make any positive change in our local birth climate.
Thank you Tabatha DiDomenico for all that you do to support birthing women!
