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 Brandy Firth as the December 2014 Volunteer of the Month.
Brandy Firth is the chapter leader for ICAN of Hagerstown and Frederick as well as the Northeast Regional Coordinator. Brandy has been invaluable in helping to increase the awareness of placenta accreta, a potentially life-threatening complication of multiple cesareans, throughout our organization. After suffering from and surviving placenta accreta herself, Brandy is passionate about reaching mothers with the information to help them make informed birth choices and also making a difference for mothers currently suffering from accretas through her work with the Red Cross. With her help, ICAN will be participating in the Hope for Accreta Blood Drive in honor of mothers with accretas on April 3, 2015.
Get to know our December 2014 Volunteer of the Month:
How long have you been an ICAN member?
I have been a member of ICAN since 2012.
How did you first find ICAN?
I first found ICAN when I became pregnant after my 3rd cesarean. I began doing a lot of research and was relieved to find ICAN. The support and the knowledge that I received through ICAN helped me to make the best evidence-based decision for me and my baby.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
What motivates me as a volunteer is seeing the amazing strength that a mom has when she is given support and respect when it comes to having a voice in her birth choices. I want all moms to be given that.
Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?
My passions outside of ICAN are: home schooling my little ones, working with the Red Cross on blood drives and bringing awareness to the possible life-threatening complications that unnecessary cesareans cause.
What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?
I have so many proud moments as an ICAN volunteer, it is impossible to just name one! I am so proud to be a part of ICAN every time I hear a mom say that ICAN helped her to heal from a traumatic birth experience or helped her to have an empowered birth. I also am not able to name just one moment that is hard. It is always hard when I see a mom have to fight to find a supportive provider that will truly give her evidence-based care.
Thank you Brandy for all that you do to support birthing women!
