Volunteer Spotlight: Faith Obilo, Ashley Raman, & Emily Zhang
Meet Faith Obilo, Ashley Raman, and Emily Zhang — Vice Presidents of the Kappu Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Faith, Ashley, and Emily organized a bone marrow registry drive for their chapter and community members at JHU on November 7th and swabbed 41 potential lifesavers onto the National Bone Marrow Registry! It is the most successful student-run drives in all of Hero history and we interviewed them to learn what motivates them to volunteer with us.
Vice Presidents of the Kappu Mu Chapter of APO at JHU, Faith Obilo, Ashley Raman, and Emily Zhang
Faith Obilo
Tell us about yourself.
I am a senior at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Public Health Studies and Natural Sciences. In addition to my leadership and volunteer work with APO, I’m deeply involved in initiatives that support newborns and adolescents, such as researching complicated twin pregnancies, providing education on sexual and reproductive health, and screening the hearing of newborns. My hobbies include playing the clarinet, watching Marvel movies, and painting.
When did you begin volunteering with There Goes My Hero?
My first volunteering experience was Winter Boxes of Joy last December!
Why do you volunteer with There Goes My Hero?
I can only imagine how nerve-wracking it can be for patients suffering from blood cancer and their families. I’m drawn by TGMH’s mission to provide hope during challenging times and their efforts in meeting patients’ transportation, housing, and other social needs. As a public health major, I’ve learned that social well-being is inextricably linked to physical health. It’s incredibly meaningful to partner with an organization that ensures patients and their families have one less worry on their plate.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with There Goes My Hero?
Go for it! It’s a really rewarding experience, and there are a variety of ways to get involved. I particularly love the bone marrow registry drives because it’s so easy to join the registry and potentially save a life. If you’re interested in hosting a drive, TGMH provides tremendous support on how to implement one.
Ashley Raman
Tell us about yourself.
I am about to graduate from Johns Hopkins with degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology and History of Science, Medicine, and Technology! Aside from volunteering with APO, I am a clinical research assistant investigating stroke recovery and aphasia and work as a medical assistant. My hobbies include indoor rock climbing, playing music, doing jigsaw puzzles, and making digital art.
When did you begin volunteering with There Goes My Hero?
The bone marrow registry drive that we hosted at Hopkins was my first event with TGMH!
Why do you volunteer with There Goes My Hero?
TGMH is working to literally save people’s lives by spreading awareness about blood cancers and recruiting potential donors. This is all the more impactful for me after having volunteered in the JH Children’s Center oncology units.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with There Goes My Hero?
Do it! Helping other people – directly or indirectly – is something I believe in wholeheartedly immersing oneself in. TGMH is no exception.
Emily Zhang
Tell us about yourself.
I am a junior at Johns Hopkins University studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. Outside of APO, I enjoy going on walks, crocheting, and baking in my free time!
When did you begin volunteering with There Goes My Hero?
The bone marrow registry drive that APO helped host on campus was actually my first time.
Why do you volunteer with There Goes My Hero?
There Goes My Hero is a great organization that provides such valuable services to those in times of need. By volunteering to support their mission, I feel like I’m genuinely making an impact.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with There Goes My Hero?
There are so many ways to get involved with something for everyone! After helping to host the bone marrow registry drive and personally joining, I hope to get more involved with There Goes My Hero in the future.