“I really want people to feel like they have support, that there are others who understand what they’re going through and to try and ‘give a voice to how it feels’ to have this condition so that other people understand.”

Jillian 

“I am excited to leverage my academic background and passion for storytelling to raise awareness, inspire action, and support the invaluable work of Mast Cell Action in empowering individuals affected by mast cell disorders.”

Anna 

Katrin, a Mast Cell Action volunteer, shares her volunteering story:

"I joined the Mast Cell Action team at the end of 2021. With my children getting older, I found myself with a little more time on my hands and a desire to learn some new skills as well as to put my existing experience and skills to a good cause. I have a PhD in cell and molecular biology, and so am intrinsically interested in MCAS, but my daughter also shows some of the signs and symptoms (thankfully not severe) of MCAS, so I also have a vested interest in finding out more about this disease.

My background is in science editing and writing, but I am keen to extend my communication skillset to include pictures as well as words! In my role as Communications and Marketing Volunteer for Mast Cell Action, I help to develop graphics for the charity’s social media sites and any campaigns it embarks upon.

Although I was familiar with creating simple graphics for use on social media through another voluntary role at my daughter’s football club, Joy has helped me to cement these existing skills as well as teaching me (enthusiastically and very patiently!) new ones and involving me in other aspects of the charity’s work.  Even though I spend only a few hours per week working for Mast Cell Action, I feel that this work is valued and that I am making a worthwhile contribution to the charity. In the meantime, I’ve gained confidence, new skills, and more knowledge about MCAS!".

Mast Cell Action volunteer, Jasmine, shares her volunteering story:

"Hello! My name is Jasmine Maria Cutajar, a recent addition to the social media department at Mast Cell Action. Apart from my role here at Mast Cell Action, I am also a full-time Master’s student at Cardiff University where I am finishing my studies in media and politics. Moving away from my native country of Malta during the pandemic has been quite challenging with lockdowns and restrictions. Last October I found myself alone and in a new city unsure of what to do next alongside my studies and away from university life. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge, however, the pandemic added a layer of uncertainty in my plans of socialisation in my new home.

As a final year student, I felt unsure on what comes next for me and decided that volunteering would be a great way of discovering what I want to do next when it came to my career. Whilst my role in the social media department is something new to me, I am grateful for the trust entrusted in me by both Joy and Claire. My prior knowledge in social media came from spending hours reading, watching YouTube videos and growing up in an era filled with social media. I also run my own personal account which is something I’ve grown over the past 6 years and have learnt a lot of tricks that I now use in this role. With Joy’s supervision I have been able to learn new techniques and methods in creating new content which is now being posted on all of MCAS social media platforms. Whilst this is my second time volunteering, I believe that it would be a missed opportunity for anyone to not offer their knowledge to organisations such as Mast Cell Action and help bring awareness to a worthwhile cause. Volunteering for Mast Cell Action has taught me skills which I am hoping will help me figure out what is the best career for me to follow once I am done with my studies."