Meet our Treasurer: Amanda Mott
ABOUT ME
I live in Madison, WI with my dog, Bella, where I spend as much time as I can outdoors, whether at the dog park, biking on our fabulous bike paths or in my garden. When the weather does not comply (winter…cough, cough) I spend a lot of time quilting and cooking.
I work for the State of Wisconsin as the Director of the State Prosecutors Office. It’s hard for me to describe what I do each day as every day is completely different, but it keeps me busy and challenging enough to keep me interested. My passion lies with the environment, however. I studied environmental law at Vermont Law School, graduating in 2008. I worked as a Clean Air Act attorney for a few years and then did renewable energy and energy efficiency grant administration for the State of Wisconsin Energy Office. Since I am no longer working in the field I do what I can to protect our precious environment including not eating meat and biking or walking whenever and wherever I can!
I became aware of Rebecca’s efforts to raise dry eye awareness when I stumbled across her Dry Eye Zone “chat room” in its early infancy. As a person with chronic dry eye disease, the chat provided me with so much education and simple comfort knowing that others were experiencing challenges similar to my own – that I was not alone.
WHY I JOINED THE BOARD
I have had aqueous deficient dry eyes since I was 19 (1996). After several years of talking with other people suffering from dry eye through Rebecca’s online platform I decided it was time for me to help others do their best to cope with their condition. I reached out to Rebecca to see how I could contribute to her efforts and have been volunteering with the organization since. I am currently a board member.
Rebecca and Aidan work tirelessly to advocate for fellow dry eye sufferers through education, support groups and research. They amaze me and I feel lucky to have contributed to their efforts.
MY WORK AT THE FOUNDATION
Over the years I have served on the board in several different capacities. I currently lead our mental health support group. In the past I have worked as a “dry eye buddy” to those needing someone to talk with about their new diagnosis, or just how to cope with their chronic disease. I have also attended conferences to provide outreach and education for the Foundation.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US
You can help the Dry Eye Foundation in many different ways and capacities. Of course, we will always accept your monetary donations. Another fun way to support the Dry Eye Foundation is to create a Facebook fundraiser for your birthday or another occasion. Facebook makes this easy for you to do at facebook.com/fundraisers. Choose Dry Eye Foundation as the donation destination.
And, we are always looking for volunteers. Please reach out to Rebecca or Aidan if you are interested in helping the organization and others suffering from ocular surface disease.