Meet Susie Nelson, executive director of Angels Among Us.
Tell us a little about your organization. – Angels Among Us (myangelsamongus.org) provides financial and emotional support programs for families living-in or being treated in Nebraska for pediatric cancer.
How did you get started in the organization? – I had good friends who have had to walk the pediatric cancer journey and for some, that journey ended sadly. I have had personal experience with cancer that effected my family and it was really hard. I wanted to use the experience I had to make a difference in ways that I knew I could.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Getting our name out there. I would go out in the community to talk about our work, and many didn’t even know we existed, including families that needed our support. We have worked hard to change that over the last six years.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The removal of time barriers for our assistance. At the beginning, we often had a wait list due to the limited availability of funds. Nebraska ranks No. 1 in the Midwest for pediatric cancer incidence, so the need is great.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to Don for over 30 years and he also serves the nonprofit community. Together, we have three grown children—Cole, Brenna, and Grace. We also have a dog named Harley.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Leaving a very well-known organization to move to the social/human service arena.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I appreciate anything nature-related. I also love hanging with my dog and relaxing at home by the pool.
Who inspires you? – My staff. They are so committed and really want to make a difference for our community. They also like to have fun which is really important when you are dealing with cancer.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – The best piece of advice was given to me by my father. He said, “Susie, you have two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion.”
Which talent would you most like to have? – If you are familiar with Clifton Strengths, I always wanted WOO but that one is likely way down the list for me. I am captured by people who have this ability.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Healthcare.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Don and I are very passionate about Youth for Christ, our Church, and the Foodbank for the Heartland. I also love the other organizations that serve the pediatric cancer community like Bags of Fun, Metro Area Youth Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Action Network, Camp CoHoLo, and more.
What is your favorite movie? – Jerry McGuire.
What is your favorite TV show? – Schitts Creek or Ted Lasso.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Feta’s Greek Food.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Jimmy Fallon or James Corden. They both are hilarious and know how to not take life too seriously. I like people who like to laugh.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 934-0999; susan@myangelsamongus.org; myangelsamongus.org.