This month’s feature member is Tammi Kramer. She joined Newcomer’s because she wanted to get to know others in the community. She has a four (almost five) year-old, and she liked the idea of meeting new friends that also have younger children.

Tell us about yourself: 

I grew up in the south hills of Pittsburgh, got my BA at IUP and MBA from Duquesne. I met my husband twelve years ago on the trolley. I always loved working in market research (I still do), but once I had my little boy, everything shifted. 

Bennett is beautifully complex. Looking at him, you may not notice things that make him unique, but he’s statistically one in nine million (and that’s the conservative estimate). We faced a lot of unknowns in the beginning and spent a lot of time at Children’s. My perspective on life shifted, and I realized what my calling was. I want to help children like Bennett. I want to help those families navigate their new normal like I had to navigate mine. 

 I’m actively involved with the Foundation, now. My husband and I are members of the Children’ Trust and Frank LeMoyne society. We’ve raised upwards of $30,000 since 2016 as we Walk for Children’s each June. When I’m actively campaigning for Walk or on the phones for the Radiothon or the KDKA telethon, I feel most alive. I’m just getting started. It’s the least I can do after all the hospital has done for my boy.

Aside from that, I’m pretty boring. I love to dance, relax on my deck, snuggle with my pups and just enjoy time with my son and husband. I’m EXTREMELY shy until I get to know someone. That’s probably another reason I joined the group. It’s really hard for me to meet people. 

If you had $5,000,000 what would you do with the money and why?

Pay off my student loans, set aside money for Bennett, donate a lot of money to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, and travel a lot. I’d probably upgrade my car and kitchen, too. Heck, I’d renovate in a major way! 

If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?

A baby goat. For some reason they bring me so much joy. I’d like to do that for someone else. 

If you could choose anything in the entire world for your last meal, what would it be?

Probably a medium rare ribeye from Hyde Park with scallop potatoes and plain cheesecake for dessert.

If all the States in the USA were represented by food, what food would each state that you have lived in be represented by?

I’m guessing PA would be some weird Philly cheesesteak topped with fresh cut fries and coleslaw combo. Sort of like Primantis, but with cheesesteak from the other side of the state.

Which fictional place would you most like to visit and why?

Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. The magic of believing in Santa is a feeling unlike any other. We could all use a little magic these days. 

If time travel were real: when and where in time would you go and why?

I wouldn’t travel ahead because you can’t skip to the end of the book, although I’m desperate to know when life is going to return to normal. I’d probably go back in time and savior moments with loved ones I’ve lost. I’d hug longer, listen more closely, and appreciate every moment.