Alpha Epsilon Phi - University of Illinois

Mu Chapter Strand of Pearls 2 L isa Goodman-Helfand '93 never knew the connections she made at AEPhi would stay with her forever. As a freshman, her sister, Heidi Goodman Kramer '90, who was a senior, introduced her to the chapter. Lisa knew that was where she was meant to be. At age 10, Lisa was diagnosed with scleroderma, something that would continue to affect her for the rest of her life. Scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease, causes disfigurement and can affect the skin, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, and many other internal organs. At Mu Chapter, Lisa felt right at home. It was one of the first times that she felt that people were truly interested in her. She remembers playing an April Fool's joke on the chapter by putting cereals in different boxes, moving the downstairs furniture upstairs and vice versa. "I had the best time in the house," she says. "AEPhi was one of the first times that I felt accepted for who I really am. They truly are a great, wonderful bunch of women." Lisa formed connections at the sorority that would later come to help her when she spent 218 days in the hospital after the birth of her daughter, unsure if she would make it through. "I had sisters that I had not seen in years visiting me in the hospital, sending cards and flowers, and wishing me well," she says. Some of these women she has remained close with are truly some of her best friends. Nine years later, Lisa launched a book about her experience on Amazon, Does This Hospital Gown Come with Sequins? (and Other Questions I Asked During My 218- Day Hospital Stay). She developed a career out of her condition that she continues to combat with humor on her blog, in her book, and in her presentations. Lisa splits her time as a reading specialist at an elementary school and as a writer and professional speaker. There were many things that AEPhi prepared Lisa for, including learning how to collaborate, work with all kinds of people, and maintain relationships. "My advice for undergraduates or younger alumnae is to make as many connections as possible," she says. "Hone in on them, foster them, cultivate those relationships. Friendships have added such richness to my life. When life throws you curveballs, those friendships support you in ways you can never imagine." She encourages sisters to set high expectations and to be their very best self. "Don't allow others to tell you that you can't do something," she says. Lisa and her husband, David, and their two children live near Chicago. Lisa maintains close contact with sisters Corrie Kahan Goldberg '93, Rachel Goldstein Kempler '93, Kim Johnson Sharon '93, Michele Bezman Elbaum '94, and Laura Saunders '93. She runs a blog, www.comfortableinmythickskin.com. A portion of all proceeds will go to the Scleroderma Research Foundation and the Scleroderma Foundation. During her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and work on her campaign, Face Off for Scleroderma, which was inspired from the criticism she received from Facebook about an ad she posted. Follow Lisa's story on her blog. She can be reached at comfortableinmythickskin@gmail.com. Alumna Defeats All Obstacles Put in Her Way Lisa Goodman-Helfand '93 Makes Friends for Life at AEPhi Learn more about Lisa's journey on her blog, www.comfortable inmythick skin.com Rebecca Ainis Skokie, Ill. Diana Badasyan Skokie, Ill. Gertrude Bakalus Highland Park, Ill. Karly Bast Highland Park, Ill. Jen Behrens Wauconda, Ill. Lindsey Bender Elgin, Ill. Rebekah Bender* Lincolnwood, Ill. (Julie Stein Bender '84) Jessica Bresler Northbrook, Ill. Aubrey Caraballo Chicago, Ill. Samantha Davis Lindenhurst, Ill. Abigail Deyhle Evanston, Ill. Sara Folliard Hinsdale, Ill. Siobhan Fox Oak Lawn, Ill. Michelle Frankel Buffalo Grove, Ill. Samantha Glazer* Deerfield, Ill. (Dana Glazer '11) Lisa Goldsman West Orange, N.J. Avital Gordon Northbrook, Ill. Emily Gordon* Northbrook, Ill. (Stacy Blitt) Shaina Hakimian Northbrook, Ill. Samantha Horwitz Buffalo Grove, Ill. Margaret Hunt Lake Bluff, Ill. Samantha Kessler Joliet, Ill. Mary Kate Kiley Tinley Park, Ill. Kara Kilpatrick Glenview, Ill. Danah Kirsh Northbrook, Ill. Blake Klinsky Buffalo Grove, Ill. Emily Kopka Buffalo Grove, Ill. Nicole Kucera Crystal Lake, Ill. Ashley Levin* Highland Park, Ill. (Marni Lewis, Epsilon Epsilon, and Debbie Goldstein '84) Emily Magid Buffalo Grove, Ill. Jessica Mandel* Aurora, Ill. (Karen Levie Mandel '80 and Lauren Shapiro Mandel '13) Kelly McCauley Mundelein, Ill. Grace Merrett Macomb, Ill. Sarah Mozack Mt. Prospect, Ill. Andrea Neiman Deerfield, Ill. Julia Nusgart Wheaton, Ill. Veronika Omori Streamwood, Ill. Alison Perlman Highland Park, Ill. Katherine Powell Homer Glen, Ill. Sarah Resnick Wilmette, Ill. Melissa Rosas Urbana, Ill. WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS

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