What a great week! We LOVE recognizing our inspirational volunteers during National Volunteer Week because these are the tenacious individuals who make our mission possible. From speakers to advocates to fundraisers and more, our volunteers bring our mission to the local level. Thank you again to ALL of the amazing people who help move our mission forward – we couldn’t do this without you!
Jeanne
“Over three years ago I became quite ill, and had a long recovery at home. In that time I discovered the Colon Cancer Alliance and their My CCA Support Online Community. It felt like I found a lifeline! I became active in the chat room, and even met some of my online friends in person at the Colon Cancer Alliance National Conference. It was fulfilling for me to chat with other patients in the chat room, especially people newly diagnosed. We “old-timers” to the world of chemo and radiation use our own experiences to offer tips on dealing with side effects, as well as talking about emotions we've had when experiencing a recurrence (as two examples). When I wanted to get more involved, it was easy to volunteer. I started by becoming a Buddy and then became a moderator in the chat room. Over time, as the staff got to know me, I was asked to exhibit at events like company health fairs and conferences. I even made a short presentation to a regional nurses association to familiarize them with the organization and what they can offer to colon cancer patients. The Colon Cancer Alliance continues to impress me as an organization, and I'm proud to be a volunteer!” – Jeanne Angalet, My CCA Support Online Community moderator, Buddy
Loretta
"In addition to being a Buddy for the Colon Cancer Alliance's Community Outreach Volunteer Program, Loretta O'Donnell, a former journalist and public information officer for Burlington County, has volunteered to raise awareness anywhere she can. In addition to newspaper articles raising awareness, she began volunteer writing for the Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey's cancer newsletter and the American Chronic Pain Association newsletter about her experiences and guidance such as nutrition, exercise and perseverance. The Colon Cancer Alliance thanks Loretta for all her hard work!" – Written by Nancy Butterfield recognizing Loretta O’Donnell
Rhode Island Chapter
“Our 5th Annual Colon Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run was our largest and most attended event, this year raising about $13,000! This event attracted approximately 400 participants and volunteers.
Our health fairs at Electric Boat are another of our big events. In the course of four days, at least 4,000 employees pass by. Of course not all stop and chat, but our presence is elevating awareness nonetheless. We generally raise more than $5,000 from the employees, the company and then matching funds form their donors and participants.” – Barbara Joyce, Colon Cancer Alliance RI Chapter
Laura
"Many thanks to the Colon Cancer Alliance for wanting to honor me
during National Volunteer Week. It is truly a privilege to participate as a volunteer. We all have so much to offer each other and I am very grateful that the organization allows me the opportunity to give of my time to so many wonderful people. It is very much a reciprocal relationship." – Laura Caravella, My CCA Support Online Community moderator
John
“I love to give hope and support to people who have just found out bad news and help as many people as possible to avoid a cancer diagnosis.” – John Lloyd, My CCA Support Online Community moderator
Dan
“Hawaii is known as the Aloha state. In the Hawaiian language aloha means affection, compassion and mercy. It is also used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello. In Hawaii someone can be said to have or show aloha in the way they treat others, whether family, friends or neighbors.
As a concerned resident of the Aloha state, this year I requested the Governor to proclaim March as National
Colon Cancer Awareness month on behalf of the Colon Cancer Alliance. Senator Brian Schatz, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell also endorsed this campaign. Having proclamations for this effort is a first in Hawaii and I’m so proud we’ve accomplished this in this great state.
Photo provided by Kevin McCarthy.[/caption]
Additionally, I am employed by a locally owned and operated third generation hardware store founded in 1899. As a result of my own experiences with AFAP and my local awareness initiatives, my workplace initiated a companywide drive encouraging employees to get screened. Through the remainder of 2014, any employee having a colonoscopy will be authorized a day off with full pay. As a pre-colon cancer survivor I was asked to share my experience with the team on the importance of getting screened as well as maintaining a positive attitude when faced with adversity.
The time to show our compassion and say ‘hello’ to campaigning prevention is now. Let us continue to work toward one day being able to say goodbye to colon cancer as one of the top three cancer killers. Together we can seize the disease and wipe out colon cancer!” – Daniel Shockley, pre-colon cancer survivor
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Check out all of the opportunities and decide which works best for you – we’d love to have you!