American Cancer Society Honors Volunteers and Seeking Supporters

During National Volunteer Week (April 7-13, 2019) the American Cancer Society is recognizing the efforts of its 1.5 million volunteers nationwide – and across Westchester and Rockland County -- who are making a difference in the fight against cancer, while seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join the volunteer force and help save more lives from cancer.

Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins provided opening remarks, in addition American Cancer Society leadership Mark Gallego (Croton On Hudson) and Kaitlin Chieco (North White Plains). White Plains Hospital Clinical Navigator Danielle Calvano spoke of her experience with volunteers during her own breast cancer diagnosis ten years ago. “I thank you for what you do for American Cancer Society and I thank you for how you helped me as a patient during my cancer journey.”

Many of the volunteers’ present are active participants in Road To Recovery, Reach To Recovery, Cancer Resource Volunteers, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay For Life. “Accomplishments in curing cancer would not be possible without the dedication of thousands of essential volunteers across Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley,” said Patti Mack, Communications Director. “We celebrate all volunteers from every corner of our organization. Because of their effort we can continue our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer,” she added.

Volunteers Needed

During National Volunteer Week, the American Cancer Society is asking for your help. If you have a few hours, or more, there is a place for you at the American Cancer Society. Many volunteer opportunities vary based on interest, skills, and time available and many can be done from home through use of a phone or computer. Please call 800.227.2345 to find out about opportunities based on your time, interest and availability.

While Road To Recovery volunteers drive cancer patients to treatment, approximately 40 percent of transportation requests are unmet. “Volunteer drivers are desperately needed across our area to help give cancer patients a much-needed ride,” according to Maribel Palacios Perez, (Briarcliff Manor) Program Manager for the American Cancer Society. The Society screens and trains all volunteer drivers, coordinates the rides through an online app, and volunteer drivers can provide as many rides – or as few -- as they can every few months. Road to Recovery needs people willing to drive patients from their home to treatment. All drivers must have:

• A current, valid driver’s license
• A good driving record
• Access to a safe and reliable vehicle
• Computer access
• Proof of car insurance

To learn more visit www.cancer.org/ride.

Hundreds of men, women and children volunteer their time and service to support community events such as Relay For Life, set to occur this spring across Westchester and Rockland. “Through planning, fundraising, set up, promotion and marketing, securing sponsors, organizing a cancer survivor reception, planning opening ceremonies, event logistics, security and entertainment, volunteers are fully involved in this community movement,” said Kaitlin Chieco, Senior Manager for the Society. To learn more visit www.relayforlife.org.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement is held annually at Manhattanville College each October. More than 20,000 supporters, fundraisers, sponsor volunteers participate in the one-day walk, set to occur this October 20, 2019. To learn more and volunteer, visit www.makingstrideswalk.org.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of its 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.

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