Looking for an impactful way to give back locally? The Cancer Support Community helps people face the challenges of cancer and always needs volunteers.
By: Kaylie Defilippis
Cancer is likely something we will encounter at some point in our life. Whether it's someone we know, or something we will struggle with ourselves, the disease has the ability to affect us all. But there are organizations to help cancer patients and their families like the Cancer Support Community (CSC) that offers free programs to those in need. Laurie Peterson, a volunteer and board member from the Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter, spoke with The Voluntourist about how to get involved.
The Voluntourist: Can you tell us a little bit about what Cancer Support Community is and how they help those fighting cancer as well as cancer survivors?
Peterson: Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara is located in Westlake Village, CA. Our mission is to ensure that adults and children impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and supported by community. We offer support groups led by licensed facilitators, educational sessions, and health and wellness programs. Our programs are free of charge to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children. Our emotional support and educational programs are designed to address the loss of control, hopelessness, and social isolation that cancer patients and their families often experience. We also have Kids and Teens Circle. One of our kids said it best, “Kids Circle has really helped me get through my Dad’s cancer. In fact, Kids Circle is the only place, except for home, that I feel comfortable talking about cancer.” In addition to our support groups and education, we offer monthly workshops and seminars, as well as fun activities like yoga, Zumba, and a walking group.
The Voluntourist: What made you want to begin volunteering with CSC?
Peterson: One of my closest friends, Gail, was diagnosed at age 39 with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her prognosis was very grim. She started attending support groups at the Cancer Support Community and she told me, “This place is saving my life”. While the doctors treated her disease, CSC was treating her soul by giving her hope. Gail often said, “People here are like me and they understand me. We laugh, we cry and we laugh some more”. I told Gail that I would start volunteering in her honor and I never looked back. Gail’s miraculous recovery gave me the incentive to start volunteering and it has truly become my passion. After years of volunteering, I have also joined the Board of Directors, a caring, diverse group of people who really care about this community and our participants.
The Voluntourist: How is the Cancer Support Community able to cover costs so that patients do not have to? Is it run completely on donations, etc.?
Peterson: All of our programs are provided FREE of charge thanks to the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals who believe in our mission. We rely on our donor community to keep our programs going. We receive no other funding.
The Voluntourist: How can people get involved with their local branches? What is the first step?
Peterson: It’s easy! Call your local Cancer Support Community and join the volunteer list.
The Voluntourist: What is required of CSC volunteers? Do they have to dedicate a certain amount of time a week or can they pick and choose which events to volunteer at?
Peterson: There are so many ways to get involved. We have volunteers that help in our office four or five hours a week and others who want to help run our fundraising events. We appreciate all the time, treasures and talents that our wonderful volunteers provide. We couldn’t do it without them.
The Voluntourist: If someone wants to volunteer, but can't necessarily dedicate a lot of time to the organization, how can they make a difference?
Peterson: There are many ways to help if your schedule doesn’t allow. We have wonderful donors who give money, products or services.
The Voluntourist: What do you want people to know about the Cancer Support Community? How do you want the organization to be remembered?
Peterson: This is a very special community where people find support, hope and community. Anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children are welcome. Cost should never be a barrier to hope. We provide a home-like environment where people with cancer, families, and friends can come to gather information and support. Research shows that people who receive social support, in addition to standard treatment, can have longer, less stressful lives than those without a core, supportive community. I believe our mission statement says it all…"we exist so that no one faces cancer alone.”