SPRINGFIELD – You can save lives and fulfill your own by becoming a volunteer for your American Cancer Society. With more than 3 million volunteers nationwide and a presence in more than 3,400 communities across the United States, the American Cancer Society is one of the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary public health organizations. We are dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
Dedicated people with varied experience are currently needed to continue our lifesaving mission. There are several ways you can volunteer with the Society. Anyone with a heart for patients and caregivers can serve in one of the many Patient Education Resource Centers we have located throughout southwest Missouri. Cosmetologists can use their skills to conduct Look Good… Feel Better sessions. This program offers beauty tips to help patients cope with treatment related side effects. Breast cancer survivors can also use their unique experience by serving as mentors for other women dealing with a similar diagnosis in our Reach to Recovery Program.
Individuals with some free time and reliable transportation can drive patients to doctor’s appointments as a Road to Recovery volunteer. Carrie Farley knows firsthand that getting loved ones to treatment can be difficult, which is why she got involved with the program. “I lost my husband several years ago, so I know the challenges patients face when family and friends can’t take time off work to drive loved ones to treatment. Driving patients to treatment has been a wonderful experience. I think it does as much for me as it does for them.”
To start volunteering with your American Cancer Society, you will need to attend one of the following regional volunteer trainings:
Monday, April 4 – Springfield 8:30 – 4:30; or
Monday, April 11 – Cape Girardeau, 8:30 – 4:30/
Overnight accommodations are available for volunteers traveling 90 miles or more to the training. For details, please call 417-447-1475 or 573-471-1873. Mileage reimbursement is available for all volunteers if requested.
American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.
