3 minute read
LifelineLetter, Winter 2024
Lisa Crosby Metzger | Former LifelineLetter Editor & Director of Advocacy
Dear Oley readers,
By the time you read this, I will have retired as editor of the LifelineLetter. I have loved and enjoyed working at the Oley Foundation for nearly eighteen years. This job was a perfect fit for me, and checked so many boxes of interest, passion and skills. I have been so fortunate!
My first exposure to the Oley Foundation was in 1989, when I was pregnant with my second child and, for a second time, was dependent on home parenteral (IV) nutrition for several months. Dr. Lyn Howard, cofounder of the Oley Foundation, managed my care. I was uninsured then, yet she was incredibly supportive, provided wonderful care, and was very generous with her time and knowledge. When my husband and I could, we donated annually to the Oley Foundation.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, when I met Roslyn Dahl at a mutual friend’s house. Roz was then Oley’s communications and development director. She was amazed I knew about Oley! I was a freelance editor then, and Roz urged me to apply at Oley.
When I first started, I worked ten hours a week, focusing solely on the newsletter. That was a blessing—I had much to learn about Oley and the world of nutrition support. But as I became more involved and learned, my responsibilities and hours grew. I moved into advocacy in addition to editing the newsletter.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in working for Oley has been balancing what I wish I could do and want to do for the organization and the Oley community with what I have had time to do. In the instances where I have successfully overcome this, it has been thanks to teamwork and relying on coworkers, colleagues, and others.
It is so frustrating when you can’t help affect change, provide help, or find a solution or answer—and so satisfying on those rare occasions when you can.
I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn from Oley members—steadfast, dedicated, generous, empathetic, committed consumers, caregivers, and talented, compassionate clinicians and other professionals. I’m also grateful for the opportunities to talk to consumers and caregivers about their lives and needs and make many friends.
The Oley community has had a profound influence on my life. Individuals like Dr. Lyn Howard, Joan Bishop, and Beth Gore have inspired me with their compassion, dedication, and intelligence. Their ability to get to the heart of a matter has been a guiding light for me. I have also been inspired by my wonderful coworkers and colleagues, who have all been motivated by their love for and passion for serving the Oley community. Each of them has contributed to my personal growth and taught me valuable lessons.
As I bid farewell, I carry with me the lessons and experiences shared by Oley members. I am deeply grateful for the generosity, kindness, support, and patience that you have shown me and each other. I will miss you, but I am hopeful that our paths will cross again. I cannot imagine stepping away from this community entirely and look forward to future connections.
Fondly,
