Volunteerism: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery
More than 2-million strong, American Cancer Society volunteers are a compassionate and committed group. They wear many hats within the non-profit organization, its mission to free the world of the pain and suffering of cancer.
Some volunteers kindly provide oncology patients with free rides to their doctor appointments. Others serve on event planning committees and roll up their sleeves for cancer awareness and fundraising community events. Then there are those who answer phones in ACS offices, and impart valuable information on free ACS programs and services. Some with a penchant for politics and advocacy get involved with ACS CAN (Cancer Action Network), which helps enact laws and policies that will fight cancer. There are also facilitators of hope and inspiration through various support groups. The list of opportunities goes on.
Longtime ACS volunteer, Nancy Coulter, has spent more than two decades helping others facing cancer. Her own daughter, Heather Warrick, battled metastatic breast cancer for 19 of her 43 years. Heather, who died in 2013, had worked for many years as the ACS SCV Unit’s health programs manager. The dynamic mother-daughter duo greatly helped grow ACS volunteerism within the Santa Clarita Valley. Together, they welcomed a legion of caring volunteers who have remained integrally woven members the ACS SCV fabric.
“Our American Cancer Society has a strong presence in this community because of its wonderful volunteers,” Nancy Coulter stated. “Each and every one is making a major difference in the world of cancer awareness, prevention, and finding a cure…and they’re improving the lives of those affected by cancer in so many ways.”
Volunteers come from myriad backgrounds, ages, and communities, yet they all have something special common, the impassioned desire to see cancer eradicated. They also share another vital feature: Their charitable actions can yield positive health aspects – for themselves.
“Volunteering allows us to build and strengthen relationships with others, and this is a key to happiness,” explained Coulter, who received the 2016 Statewide Excellence Award for Volunteer Lifetime Achievement. “It enables us to experience the synergy of working together for causes we value and the knowledge that we’re making a difference in the lives of those facing difficult challenges. This leads to a person being happier, healthier, and perhaps even live longer…all the more reason to join us at the American Cancer Society!”
The American Cancer Society has many available volunteer opportunities (one of the most needed roles currently is for volunteer drivers in the Road to Recovery program, which helps cancer patients without transportation receive free rides to and from oncology treatments).  For information on volunteering for the ACS SCV Unit please call 661-298-0886 option 3. Our address: 25020 Avenue Stanford, Suite 170, Valencia, 91355.