For Sarah Vander Baan, giving is about connection. She’s involved in a variety of positive, engaging and impactful organizations, each touching various aspects of her personal and charitable passions. When she learned of Van Andel Institute, she realized instantly it was a perfect match: VAI connected many previously separate passions – merging a love of education, support for breast cancer research and the opportunity to join a community that makes a difference.
Vander Baan first learned of VAl at the JBoard Member Mixer, a laid-back gathering for supporters, friends and researchers alike.
“I talked with JBoard members and postdoctoral fellows, slowly learning about VAl until it just clicked,” Vander Baan said. “I signed up, visited the Institute for a tour, and I just knew I needed to be a part of the research and education efforts taking place right here in our community.”
Vander Baan has been a JBoard Ambassador since 2019, and she says the Institute has played a key role in her life. Her mother faced breast cancer twice, and Vander Baan herself is carefully exploring preventative treatment options knowing she may be faced with her own diagnosis. In addition to working with her medical team, she has found tremendous value in hearing directly from VAl’s scientists.
“Learning about cancer, Parkinson’s and other scientific research has really expanded my perspective on things – you see, there’s a whole world of people out there working to better understand these diseases, and with a lot of time and a bit of luck, that can inform future treatment options,” Vander Baan said.
Additional connections to the Institute have formed over time, with Vander Baan’s son attending Van Andel Institute for Education summer camps and after-school events. She said it helped her realize how science can be taught in a way that’s educational, but also fun. Vander Baan believes it’s helpful to have a local organization pushing for STEM opportunities in the region, as it makes science accessible while improving the place where we live.
As her relationship with VAl progresses, Vander Baan finds it easy to stay involved while also looking for ways to make more of an impact. Having a personal link to the cause created the initial connection, but she plans to strengthen that link through further advocacy.
“There’s so much knowledge and passion at VAl, both in science and education, that I just want to share it with everyone in the city,” Vander Baan said. “When you hear about the work taking place – the actual, real-world research that happens right here in Grand Rapids — it makes you want to get involved right away. That’s exactly what happened to me at that first JBoard mixer!”
Van Andel Institute JBoard Ambassadors are a network of early and mid-career professionals who believe in a bright future fueled by biomedical research and science education initiatives. To learn more and to join, visit vai.org/jboard ➔