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education Why do people volunteer? It is because of passionate volunteers that the American Cancer Society was able to rally 10,000 people in Washington DC this year to talk with lawmakers about cancer issues. It is the commitment of volunteers that causes dollars and awareness to be raised to battle the disease. It is people's desire to help others that those who have been touched with cancer can find support and help in their fight.  Why do people volunteer with the American Cancer Society? The answer, with many variations, is simple: volunteers want to make sure that they are doing what they can to help those who are going through a cancer experience and eliminate the disease. For many, a personal experience with cancer is the reason to take up the fight. Linda Booker of Greenwood, Indiana, and Bonnie Eash of Midland, Michigan, are both survivors and volunteers for the American Cancer Society. "I have just always felt like breast cancer was my opportunity to be a servant for somebody else, to get involved in my community," said Linda, who volunteers for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay For Life, and Road to Recovery. Her Making Strides team donated over $7,000 this year. "If everyone whose life has been touched by cancer did something, then we would find a cure." She has seen how her involvement in the community has presented opportunities for others to ask how they can help with the cause. At the same time, Linda also sees a need for additional volunteers. "I’m trying to be out there and talk to anyone about how they can get involved," she said.  Sometimes the thought of asking people for help, to join a team or contribute donations, can be a struggle. Bonnie Eash volunteered as a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team captain for the first time this year, but found it difficult to recruit team members and became discouraged. With support from her local American Cancer Society staff person, Bonnie stuck with it and was able to recruit seven walkers and raise over $900.All of her hard work and dedication paid off the day of the event. "I felt good about myself, I felt good about the whole experience," she said. She will be back at her Making Strides event next year with all of her inaugural team members and is optimistic she will be able to recruit more. To anyone who may also find it difficult to ask for support in team events such as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or Relay For Life, Bonnie has this advice: "Just have hope, have faith that there’s gonna be someone out there that will support you." If you are an American Cancer Society volunteer, thank you for fighting cancer, whatever your reason may be. If you would like to learn how to start volunteering or want to find ways to get more involved, call 800-ACS-2345. Pictured right: Linda Booker Pictured left: Bonnie Eash (wearing a white sweatshirt and pink lei) | |
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