She loved the work she was doing and valued the skills she learned, but wanted her purpose in life to be greater than helping to sell a product to consumers.  After spending a year dedicated to service as Miss Illinois 2008, she knew a career in the nonprofit sector was the path for her.  Her commitment to smoking cessation is a personal one as her grandmother suffered two heart attacks and congestive heart failure as a direct result of her chain smoking.  When the opportunity presented itself to do the work she loves, while also making sure no one goes through what her grandmother and her family did – she had to take it.  The American Lung Association is one of the very few nonprofits that can truthfully say it changes and saves lives on a daily basis.  To wake up in the morning and know the work she’s doing effects real change, is a very powerful and fulfilling reason to be a part of this great organization.