Q. & A. with dynamic volunteer Michele Belson
 Bubbly and cheerful ACS volunteer and cancer survivor, Michele Belson, thanks ACS for making her feel empowered through Relay For Life.
When did you get involved with ACS/How did you hear about ACS?
Been involved [with ACS] for almost nine years! A family member purchased a luminaria bag for me and so I went to the luminaria ceremony and was on the committee the following year.
Why do you volunteer for ACS?
It empowered me! I had felt hopeless against this disease until ACS came into my life. I have lost many family members and friends and had always thought that cancer would take my life. It turns out it gave me empowerment and a place of belonging!
What’s your reason to participate in Relay?
Relay shows what we can do when we come together as a community. And, it’s the one day it’s ok for me to wear my rose colored glasses. The world on that day is perfect to me! We honor, love, and respect everyone there. Words are not needed. It’s a look in the eye or a hug…a tear or a moment when we all understand each other.
What has been your most memorable experience of being an ACS volunteer?
I have learned self confidence and I have been able to help people in ways I never knew I could! Being asked to Chair CPS-3 is a pretty big high. I am going to be able to be part of history. I am not just helping to fund the cure through Relay, but I am actually going be help find it with research and I truly believe that in my children’s lifetime, there will be a cure for this beast!
Tell us your story in one sentence?
Cancer has given me higher way of living.
How has being a survivor changed your perspective on life?
I have always known life is a terminal condition, but when cancer came along, then left, and gave me the title Survivor…I see the world in a whole new beautiful light.
How has being an ACS volunteer fulfilled you?
In more ways then even I know! ACS shows us we can make a difference and it actually helped me to discover who I am. I am forever grateful!
What inspires you?
Lets face it, Relayers are inspiring but my children inspire me because I never want them to be faced with cancer themselves. I am also inspired by those Relay warriors that are no longer with us. I have made a pledge to many who are no longer here that I would keep up this fight and would do what I can here on earth…if they could help from above that would be great! I feel them with me and it inspires me to keep on fighting, keep on Relaying…keep the faith!
The American Cancer Society is thankful for faithful and dedicated volunteers like Michele Belson. For more information on getting involved with Relay For Life, visit www.RelayForLife.org.
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