resource highlight

ACS offers new resource to explore career and volunteer opportunities
When Sandy Tolle was diagnosed with cancer in 1987, the Indiana resident had no idea it was the beginning of a new life. Within the week of her diagnosis, a tumor and her right kidney were removed, and the healing process began. "A few months later, I received a card in the mail from the American Cancer Society listing several [volunteer] programs…regardless of how busy I was raising a family and working full time, I needed to lend my support to others who were or would be facing some of the same situations I was experiencing."

Over the years, Sandy has served as a volunteer with ACS in many different ways. When the Hope Lodge in Indianapolis opened in 1997, the same year she retired from her job, she knew that’s where she wanted to volunteer.

"Each time that I worked as a volunteer at the Lodge, the more I wanted to be there," said Sandy. She is still with ACS today, now working at the Central Indiana Area Service Center as a part time staff person supporting Hope Lodge activities.

ACS recently developed a web page on cancer.org specifically designed to assist people like Sandy who are considering volunteer and employment opportunities. With media clips of staff and volunteer experiences, the web site is intended to be an insightful resource into the fulfillment gained by being associated with ACS and the steps you can take to get involved.

Potential volunteers and staff members will be able to:

• Experience the passion of current volunteers and staff members by hearing and reading about their personal experiences with ACS
• Easily search and apply for employment and volunteer opportunities
• Learn about the many benefits of working for and volunteering with ACS

"If I hadn’t already volunteered and was not already on staff, it would have given me enough information to decide whether I was interested or not," Sandy commented. "I tried to be objective because when it comes to ACS, it pulls on my heart strings! It was extremely well done."  

Laura Reeves, ACS Chief Talent Officer, explains how the theme, ’Save lives. Fulfill yours’ is "a powerful statement about the value that ACS brings to our employees and volunteers. As dedicated as we are to achieving our mission, we are also dedicated to those who put their talents to work for our organization."

Sandy has done just that. After losing her 43-year-old son Larry to cancer in 2005, her family formed a Relay For Life team, Remembering Larry. "We wanted to not only remember him, but we needed to celebrate his life together and be together to heal the hurt." Over the past four years, they have raised almost $20,000 for the fight against cancer.

"Because of cancer, my dream was realized," said Sandy. "I know my personal experience with cancer altered my life…and gave me a purpose for doing what we’re placed here to do – care for one another."

To learn more about volunteer and career opportunities with ACS, visit www.cancer.org/jobs.

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