If there is one thing Oregon Alpha Donna Draper wants you to remember, it is the lifetime friendships you receive from Pi Phi. “Pi Phi really is a lifetime commitment and friendship, so look at it that way before you make the decision to pledge,” she said.

The sisterhood was evident recently at Convention 2015 in Chicago. One of the last nights of at the event, Donna felt violently ill and was taken to the hospital. She ended up being admitted and had to stay overnight. There was at least one Pi Phi sister, like New Mexico Betas Bimi Lane Heubner and Lisa Rede Roman, at her side the whole time. Donna will never forget the friendships of Alison Bauer and Julie Wisbrock from the Headquarters staff for making sure she was never alone. Donna remained at the hospital as some of the women in her alumnae club were able to attend a post-Convention tour to Holt House, but they made sure to bring a cup back from Holt House for her. She remembers 10 of her Phoenix Alumnae Club sisters taking turns to push her in the wheelchair and get her on the airplane back home. “If only people knew how wonderful they are,” she said. “Sisters will be there for you if you’re in need.”

Donna has remained involved in Pi Phi her entire life and is a beloved member of the Phoenix Alumnae Club. The women in the club are always good about checking in with Donna, and she thinks it is nice to be loved like that. She currently serves as Corresponding Secretary writing birthday, congratulations and condolence cards. “It is a way to stay in touch,” she said. “I always tell them we will be there for whatever they need: call for a visit, bring them food or anything because Pi Phi is a bond.”

Donna also shared that she was at the last convention in St. Louis in 1991, so if she can go she will be there for Convention 2017. Donna, meet me in St. Louis – I can’t wait!