Without You, There Would Be No Us: Volunteer Appreciation Week 2020
April 20, 2020
When asked to travel to Washington, DC with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in 2005, I had no clue what adventure lay in front of me.
My experience as a volunteer has truly been a blessing of years sharing my own cancer journey and encouraging elected officials to remember the tens of thousands of Ohioans like me who have fought cancer when casting their votes. Knowing I am making a difference brings a huge sense of triumph to my heart.
Fifteen years later, I have the honor of leading an amazing group of Ohio volunteers as their State Lead Ambassador. Together, we’re helping Ohioans find their voices in the fight against cancer. The way I like to picture how our volunteer team works is ACS CAN provides us the platform with research backed policy, volunteer training and support from staff. They give us the tools to help prevent cancer and increase access to care for all Ohioans.
The volunteers I lead have been trained and stand next to me on that ACS CAN platform, while the new volunteers we recruit are supported by each member of our trained team until they feel confident enough to stand next to us. I just picture me standing on a stage (the ACS CAN platform) and holding new recruits on my shoulders until they feel confident enough to stand next to me and lift the next new volunteer up before they feel confident enough to fight next to us.
Together, our team motto is to:
Our Ohio team is the most passionate group I know, working tirelessly throughout the year, they continue to amaze me as they continue advocating for cancer patients through COVID-19.
We are a cohesive, loving family unit that honors a cancer victory, their loved one’s memory or a current cancer battle. Whatever the reason that brought you to ACS CAN, we are continually reminded why we must Never Give Up!
