We’re shining our volunteer spotlight on Kevin Gagen this month. Kevin has volunteered with Dysautonomia International since 2016. He was inspired to start volunteering during his daughter Caitlin’s junior year in college. “She was playing soccer at SUNY Plattsburg, her team wanted to bring awareness to POTS by having a fundraiser and game dedicated to POTS awareness. We came up with the phrase Kick it to POTS. Even though Caitlin graduated two years ago, the team still continues to have a Kick it to POTS game every year.” The Gagen family created a logo using their daughter as part of the “K” in Kick it to POTS that is worn at each of the games, and sold to help raise money for Dysautonomia International.

Kevin has enjoyed volunteering for Dysautonomia International over the years. “Everyone at Dysautonomia International has been very helpful and supportive. We have gone from our first Kick it to POTS games, to arranging local proclamations for Dysautonomia Awareness Month in both Madison and Onondaga Counties in New York State. It is a great feeling to share those moments with my daughter and to meet other people that are fighting the daily battle of dysautonomia. We have made some wonderful friendships and we have been able to bring awareness to the community.” 

“The best message I can share with the community is the word ‘support.’ My goal is to make people aware of dysautonomia. Each and every person is different, but we all need the support from family, friends and our community.  We will bring understanding, awareness and get closer to a cure each and every day. It has been my privilege to work with Dysautonomia International.”

Thank you Kevin for everything you do, and for always remaining so positive!

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