It’s National Volunteer Month, and we’re celebrating with a special recognition of Jackie Gibbons – volunteer extraordinaire and Cancer Care board member! You may have seen Jackie welcoming clients with a smile, heard her bring hope to a cancer patient on a phone call, or even eaten one of her delicious cookies at our events.
Jackie has shared her insight about volunteering at Cancer Care Services:
- Tell us about yourself:
I’m a mom of 2 high schoolers, a boy and a girl. I have been married for almost 19 years. I have 2 dogs, and I love to take them for walks/hikes. I love to bake.
- What brought you to Cancer Care Services as a volunteer?
I wanted to do more than just donate money to the organization. I wanted to donate my time. I believe in the mission and don’t think that anyone should go through cancer alone.
- What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Cancer Care Services?
Interacting with clients and seeing the changes in their lives that the services are providing.
- What has been one of your most memorable moments volunteering with Cancer Care Services?
During one of the luncheons, a speaker had the guests stand up based on their experience with cancer (personally going through it, a caregiver, a family member, a friend, etc.). There was not a single person left sitting when he was done. Cancer affects everyone.
- How has your experience with cancer impacted your volunteering?
Every client that walks through the door, or calls on the phone, would probably prefer to be doing anything else. Nobody wants to deal with cancer, so when I am volunteering, I want to make sure the client feels special.
- What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Cancer Care Services?
Donating time can be as much or minimal as you want. But seeing what Cancer Care Services can do for our community makes it so rewarding.
And to all our wonderful volunteers – the Cancer Care staff have some words of gratitude for all that you do year-round!
“Volunteers are the lifeblood that keep non-profits running and moving forward. All the things you do make it easier for us to spend time with the clients, and we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you!”
– Amy Laude, LBSW | Clinic Social Worker
“Thank you for your commitment to Cancer Care Services and our clients. You are often helping behind the scenes but your help does not go unnoticed. It is both seen and felt whether that’s covering the reception desk, assisting/donating to our Connect events, assisting in the infusion room at Texas Oncology, decorating our building for the Christmas season, or a number of other ways you fill in the gaps where we can’t. This week, we celebrate you but hope that you’ve felt our appreciation all year because we understand your service comes from the heart and not a paycheck. Thank you from the bottom of our heart.”
– Christi Jackson, LMSW | Clinic Social Work Manager
“I appreciate that the volunteers provide a needed refreshment for the front office staff, while also supporting the program team in directing calls and checking in on how we are doing. Their care for the clients is an encouragement to me also!”
– Joy Rong, LMSW | Community Social Worker
Visit our Facebook and Instagram to see our National Volunteer Month posts happening all month long. You can thank Cancer Care’s volunteers in the comments!
Cancer Care could not serve the community without the hard work of our volunteers! If you would like to become a Cancer Care volunteer, fill out our Online Volunteer Application to start bringing help and hope to those impacted by cancer.
