Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Delta Gamma at the University of Iowa Fall 2023 INSIDE: Summer Makes the Fall Sweeter p. 2 • Delta Gamma Is for Life p. 3 Ties to Tau I f there is one thing about Delta Gamma that Neala Fredrickson Ellingson '78 was most impressed by during recruitment, it was the diversity. She remembers that not only did the women have varying majors, but they also had their own looks and personalities— it wasn't a house filled with the same type of woman. "I was recruited and cared for by women who respected me and wanted me in the DG house," she shared. While Neala had been active in high school, Tau Chapter provided her with deeper and more impactful experiences. She loved working with her sisters on their common goals and was especially proud to serve as Chapter president, an experience she learned so much from. She took the skills she gained living with 50 of her sisters and applied them to her career as an elementary school teacher with a classroom of 25-30 kids. "Learning to give and take, listen and share, help and be helped; being flexible and accepting flexibility; meeting new friends and cherishing old friends; and looking through many different lenses to see what worked best prepared me for practicing those same skills with my students," she shared. Neala will be forever grateful for Delta Gamma and the lifelong friendships she created. When she and her sisters get together, it's like no time has passed. And when her life changed a few years ago, they were there for her. In October 2018, Neala was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma after an abnormal mammogram. She had a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. Although it was an emotional challenge at first, Neala is grateful she did not have to go through chemo, as she saw many women suffering from breast cancer treatments. She has now been on a hormone blocker for five years. "I had many, many thoughtful sisters send cards, emails, texts, gifts, flowers, prayers, and encouragement during this time," Neala shared. "Some of my sisters I hadn't heard from for a very long time sent me get-well wishes, which was greatly appreciated. My sisters' thoughtfulness throughout my journey sure brightened my days." While Neala was shocked when she was diagnosed, since then, she has been able to share her story with others to help them deal with their journeys. As someone who has always been positive about life, she is trying even harder to live that way. "I try to start each day by acknowledging all my daily blessings and giving thanks for those many blessings because there really is so much to be grateful for each day!" Along with her DG friendships, Neala is grateful for her loving, close family. Her mom and dad were her biggest cheerleaders when she became a DG. Her sister, Terri, is friends with many of Neala's DG sisters and wishes now she would have joined a sorority. Her husband, Jim, and their children, AJ and Ashley, know how much her DG sisterhood means to her! Some of Neala's favorite activities are reading, doing crafts, walking, volunteering at her church, and keeping up with friends. She also loves spending time with her family—especially her two granddaughters, Anna and Macie. You can connect with Neala at jnellingson82@gmail.com to learn more about her life and breast cancer journey. Neala's words of wisdom "I try to live the best life I can with the hand I've been dealt, and I always try to find joy in each day!" Neala with her granddaughters, Anna and Macie. Finding Joy in Each Day Neala Fredrickson Ellingson '78 Discusses Her Breast Cancer Journey D E L T A G A M M A I S F O R L I F E ! Look inside to read about Christy Street Johnson's Journey through Cancer

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