Volunteer Spotlight: Zeke Aguilera

Role:

ACT Lead

Hometown:

Madison AL

Years volunteering:

6 years

How did you first get involved with ACS CAN?

In 2017 I was searching for a way to get involved in the fight against cancer. I wanted to share my sister Yvette’s story, but I didn’t know how. I had heard about ACS so that’s where I began my search. Not sure about the level of involvement I was ready for, I refined my search to include online volunteer opportunities. That is how I came across ACS CAN and their volunteer opportunities. I was invited to my first team call and I knew this was the right group for me.

How did you feel after that first meeting with a lawmaker?

I will be honest, my first meeting with a lawmaker was a bit rough. My representative was known to be difficult but I was able to deliver my message with the help of my team and my training. It was a great learning experience and even though it was not an ideal meeting it made me want to fight even harder.

If someone said to you “I am not a political person, why should I get involved?” What would your response be?

ACS CAN is perfect for you because our strength comes from a united and nonpartisan group of unique individuals. The ACS CAN staff and volunteers have one focus and that is to eliminate cancer. So, if you share this passion ACS CAN is for you. Whether you are political or not.

What types of things do you do as a volunteer for ACS CAN?

The great part about volunteering for ACS CAN is you can decide the level of your involvement. There are quick action alerts that can be done via email or social media. They take less than five minutes. You may be asked to share your cancer story in the form of a Letter to the Editor. You have the opportunity to connect in person, over the phone, or by email with your elected officials. If you want to play a more active role, we meet monthly to discuss the latest federal and state agendas. Along with you deciding your level of involvement, the other great part is that ACS CAN provides plenty of training.

We know you are involved in the ACSi Se Puede Hispanic/Latino Advocacy Alliance, can you tell us about this group and how it is helping ACS CAN promote health equity?

Over the last couple of years, ACS CAN has made serious investments in time and resources to help eliminate cancer disparities for underrepresented groups. How? By creating groups like ACSi se Puede Hispanic/Latino Alliance who serve to guide the organization by sharing our diverse perspectives and experiences. Our goal is to provide resources that can reach the unique and varied Hispanic/Latino populations across the country. Our first event, “Por tu familia y tu comunidad'' was a panel discussion intended to clear up common misconceptions about clinical trials. The event was completely in Spanish and we provided a live translator for those who did not speak Spanish. We will serve as a partner and a resource for the Hispanic/Latino communities while helping to reduce cancer disparities.