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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Giving and Taking Chances
Imagine leaving your home of more than 30 years and moving your family to a place you’ve never been before. That’s what Lacey Craddock and her husband did when they decided to pursue new experiences in South Florida. The Craddocks are from a small town in Oklahoma— the kind where everyone knows each other.
“We had the house in the cul-de-sac, the minivan, the puppy, and the two kids. We had it all. We could’ve just stayed within our safety net forever, which is what a lot of people do, but we wanted to show our kids there’s so much more.”
Five years later, the Craddocks feel they made a good decision, but it wasn’t just their children whose eyes were opened.
Shortly after the move, Lacey found a job at NSU’s College of Pharmacy. After working in the Department of Student Services for two years, she took on an executive assistant role in Translational Research and Economic Development (TRED). Her position has exposed her to life-changing research.
“There’s so much happening at NSU, especially in research, and I’m a part of it, which is amazing! I’m not a scientist and I don’t work on meaningful scientific discoveries, but I’ve had a small part in almost everything having to do with establishing and supporting NSU’s research institutes housed in the Center for Collaborative Research (CCR).” As an extension of her job, Lacey supports NSU researchers and research institutes to ensure that they have everything they need and serves as the primary liaison for TRED with NSU’s central Development Department.
It’s Lacey’s direct involvement with research at NSU that drives her passion to support the university. She directs her giving to NSU’s Sarcoma Research Fund, stating that the tumor samples being investigated in the CCR come from pediatric cancer patients in the Miami area. “I know what they’re doing will eventually save a child from chemotherapy and ultimately my generosity is helping to find less cytotoxic treatments for all cancer patients.”
Lacey likens the family’s move to what “Realizing Potential” means to her:
“It means you take chances and opportunities. You don’t let fear drive your decisions. If you do, you’re going to miss out on so many things in your life. I had fear, but I didn’t let it control me. Once you’re bigger than your fears, you’re able to take opportunities that are given to you and you’re able to claim your own success.”