Meet Deana Dockery / Founder of Coastal Family Vacation Foundation
Meet Deana Dockery
Questions:
Q: Tell us a little about your profession & why you do what you do:
A: I am the founder and current board chair of Coastal Family Vacation Foundation (CFVF). The CFVF Cancer Respite Program offers South Carolina residents undergoing cancer treatments an opportunity to disconnect from their daily stresses and medical routines and reconnect with loved ones here on our beautiful coast. We offer up to a week’s stay and other amenities to help families rest, rejuvenate, and improve their mental well being so they can continue their fight towards health and healing. Our family has experienced the toll that this disease takes on the entire family unit, and we want to help lift the burden for other families, even if just for a week.
Q: When not at work, where can we mostly find you?
A: I can generally be found with my husband at the beach, at the Muni, or walking a foster dog.
Q: Where is your favorite place to dine in Charleston?
A: We’re loving the vibe at Lost Isle on John’s Island, but Crosby’s Food Truck is a convenient go to for the freshest seafood for sure.
Q: If you could lounge anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Nice, France. I see Nice as Charleston’s older and more experienced sister.
Q: What song best describes you?
A: Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose. Happiness really is a choice.
Q: What does comfort mean to you?
A: Softness, safety, familiar tastes and smells.
Q: What might you say to someone who needs a little pick me up?
A: Pray about it. Things will look better in the morning.
Q: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
A: Write, read, and study french.
Q: What makes you feel most empowered?
A: Accomplishing something out of my comfort zone.
Q: How do you recharge?
A: Schedule technology free quiet days.
Q: First thing you do when you get home from work?
A: Completely change clothes. I can change faster than a chameleon.
Q: What makes you most uncomfortable?
A: Small talk.
Q: What’s one thing you would change about yourself?
A: Depth perception. So I could have a chance at beating my brother on the pool table.
Q: Any life hacks or secret talents we should know about?
A: I can pack for a 10 week trip in just a carry on bag.
Q: Favorite recipe we need to know about?
A: My husband and I created an oatmeal, dark chocolate, and cherry cookie that gets a lot of requests.
Q: Anything else we need to know?
A: My house is sprinkled with bulldog glitter. Since losing our 13 year old English bulldog, we’ve fostered nearly 30 in 5 years.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Live unlike others today so you can live unlike others tomorrow. Always put the maximum in your 401K. If you never spend it, you’ll never miss it.
Q: What is one thing you cannot live without?
A: I’m loving Sumter Bee Company products right now. Their products are handmade with beeswax from their own apiary. For dry winter days, the Beeswax Hand Balm is a great protector and I swipe on their lip balm before turning my lamp out each night.
Q: What is your favorite thing to sleep in?
A: I keep it light so my floral P.J. Salvage gown from Lounge With Us is perfect.
Q: What is your bucket list trip & why?
A: My next trip. I love to travel, so the next trip is always at the top of my list.
Q: What kind of driver are you?
A: I would say defensive. My husband might say…….
Q: What do you need to rant about or get off your chest?
A: Cigarette butts and trash on the beach. If you pack it in, pack it out with you, plus 4 more pieces. Give the turtles a chance.
Q: What’s your secret weapon?
A: My family. Just when I think my tank is running empty, I turn around to see them refilling it.
