Month: April 2022

Celebrate National Volunteer Month!

Marilyn Kepner was chosen as volunteer of the month for National Volunteer Month.

What is National Volunteer Month?

April is National Volunteer Month! Cancer Care Services is celebrating our volunteers all month long with thank you videos from our staff. (Watch the videos on our social media!)

In 1991, President George H.W. Bush launched the 1000 Points of Light campaign and established April as National Volunteer Month. This month is dedicated to all the volunteers who give their time to better their communities.

Our volunteers are the heart of Cancer Care Services. We thank each and every one of you so much for gifting our clients with kindness and joy. The time you spend volunteering with Cancer Care brings help and hope to those coping with cancer.

Who is the volunteer of the month?

We also have a very special announcement: Marilyn Kepner is our volunteer of the month! Marilyn is always ready to help our clients – whether she’s at the Cancer Care Services front desk or helping at Texas Oncology. Keep reading to learn more about our fantastic volunteer of the month!

Tell us about yourself:

I am a retired RN Case Manager. I am originally from Pittsburgh and am an avid fan of Pittsburgh sports teams. I am a Mom to one son, grandma to one girl and three boys, and great-grandma to two girls and two boys.

What brought you to Cancer Care Services as a volunteer?

My retirement plan includes volunteering at multiple organizations. Cancer Care Services started with one event – an Adios Cancer celebration and grew from there to office receptionist volunteer to now adding prescreening at Texas Oncology (and that has been quite a gift during the Covid Years).

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Cancer Care Services?

I love being with people, and Cancer Care Services allows one to meet new people and for me to keep my hand on healthcare.

What has been one of your most memorable moments volunteering with Cancer Care Services?

My memorable moment was learning to operate the popcorn machine during events – it kept me very busy that day!

How has your experience with cancer impacted your volunteering?

In my family, my son had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – now in remission, and my father had lung cancer. Because during those days, I was made aware of Cancer Care Services, I am now eager to tell people in the community about the organization and the great work being done.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Cancer Care Services?

I would encourage anyone interested in volunteering that Cancer Care Services is wonderful, that cancer is not all gloom and doom and that they can feel good because you get smiles.

How do I volunteer with Cancer Care Services?

If you want to volunteer with Cancer Care Services, you can sign-up through our Volunteer Form or email Megan Clifton, our Client Connection and Volunteer Manager, at Megan@CancerCareServices.org. View our Volunteer page for more information and sign up to join our volunteer email list for upcoming opportunities. We hope to see you at our next volunteer opportunity!

Encanto Under the Stars

Clients wait for Encanto to start at the March 2022 Connect Night.

March 2022 Connect Night

“I love it!” One of our youngest clients of the night had a blast at the Encanto-themed selfie station! Thank you, Selfie Factor FW, for setting up the adorable selfie station so our clients could capture special memories. Our staff, volunteers, and clients smiled wide for their pictures as the magical Encanto characters surrounded them. Look at those sweet smiles! 

A family takes a photo with the selfie station at the March 2022 Connect Night.
A family takes a photo with the selfie station.

Cancer Care’s counseling intern led the therapeutic component and brought an abundance of laughter and energy. Each person drew their own door, like the special doors in Encanto, that represented their strengths and interests. Then, they drew another door that showed their true selves – fears and all!  

Megan and Sabrina at the March 2022 Connect Night.
Cancer Care’s counseling intern and Client Connection Manager lead the therapeutic component of the night.

Our volunteers enchanted the night with welcoming smiles, tasty popcorn, and hot chocolate. A perfect treat on a chilly night! The families snuggled up in their blankets and snacked on their treats as the opening song began the movie. 

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” proved to be the fan favorite since everyone couldn’t help but sing along. Miss Megan even danced around the parking lot and sang to each of the kids! Just like how Mirabel unites her family, our March 2022 Connect Night brought the Cancer Care community together. Stay tuned for the next Connect Night!