Don't worry, I'm not going to get all self-righteous in this post. I
am completely aware that I could probably do more to give back. The reason I decided
to write this post, is that I often get asked why I participate in the
volunteer and/or fundraising activities that I do. I intend on making
this a bit of a "series" as I am involved in a few causes that I am
absolutely passionate about, so I'll focus on one for each post.
In 2005, I started working for the Canadian Cancer Society. That
statement, in itself, is why many people assume that I chose and continue to
choose to support this organization. But it's so much more than that.
During my time working for the Cancer Society, I got a truly "behind
the scenes" look at the hard work that goes in to delivering the programs
and services that the Canadian Cancer Society offers. "But what do
they do for OUR community?" That's a question I hear all the time
when I'm fundraising. Each province has some programs that are unique to
the needs of their province. Here are some examples of the fantastic work they
do in New Brunswick:
SunSense - a school-based program designed to teach
children in grades 1 to 3 about staying safe in the sun. This
program was designed with the help and feedback of teachers to ensure it met
their teaching needs. Teachers are provided with a kit with flexible
options to present this program, including a script, powerpoint presentation,
suggested presentation methods, a CD-ROM with tools, handouts and activities
for the children and materials that can be sent home to parents. One of
the most popular parts of this kit are the supplies provided to make UV
bracelets. These bracelets feature some special UV beads that change
colour when exposed to UV light. How cool is that?! The Cancer
Society contacts each school every Spring to offer this program to
teachers. If you know a teacher that has a grade 1, 2 or 3 class that has
not heard of this program, please share the information. The kits are
free! These kits are also available to recreation centers in the summer
time.
Cancer Information & Support - This is a
"2-prong" program. This program is associated with a toll free
number where you can go and get Information and or Support. For the
Information Service, you are connected with an "Information
Specialist" who can answer any questions you may have related to
cancer. Whether you want to know common side effects of chemotherapy, or
perhaps you have questions about BPA, the Information Sepcialists are there to
help you.
Through the same phone number, there is also an option for support.
This peer-to-peer emotional support program is designed for cancer patients and
their caregivers. Whether you have been diagnosed yourself, or are a
caregiver for someone with cancer, the staff at the Peer Support program can
match you with a specially trained volunteer who has had a similar cancer
experience - similar diagnosis, treatment plan, etc. This way you
can truly talk to someone who's "been there".
Cancer Information & Support is available across Canada and can be
accessed through their toll-free number, 1-888-939-3333 or by email at
info@cis.cancer.ca.
Cancerconnection.ca - If the phone is not your thing,
try linking up with people via the message boards at
www.cancerconnection.ca. There
you can chat with cancer survivors, cancer patients, families of people with
cancer, cancer information specialists and more! There are also
interesting blogs to read.
Practical Support - A cancer experience can be stressful,
and the last thing someone needs on top of a diagnosis is to worry about
additional costs that come up after a diagnosis. The practical assistance
program has a couple pieces to it: 1 - Travel assistance - as this suggests, this piece
of the program assists with the costs of travelling to cancer
treatments/surgeries; 2 - Exceptional assistance
- to assist with other costs that come up as a result of a diagnosis.
Anyone interested in this program should complete the application form, which
can be found here:
http://www.cancer.ca/~/media/cancer.ca/NB/support%20and%20services/support%20and%20services/2016-17-Application-Overview-EN.pdf?la=en
Wigs and Headwear - The Cancer Society has a few offices in New
Brunswick, and each
of these offices has a room where wigs and other headwear can be viewed
and tried on. All of these items are brand new, and available in various
styles and colours. It is all free of charge. There are some
additional locations that these items can be acquired, as well as by calling
their office at 1-800-455-9090 or email
ccsnb@nb.cancer.ca
I took a trip down to their office in Saint John, NB, to browse through their collection.
This is a picture of their client room, where people can come and try on wigs, read through information, access the Canadian Cancer Society website,
www.cancer.ca, or chat online at
www.cancerconnection.ca, or they can even call in to the Cancer Information & Support program.
Then, the wigs. These are fantastic quality and beautiful styles. I even decided to try on some myself.
NB Masons Camp Goodtime/JLP - Each summer, the Canadian
Cancer Society offers a camp for children with cancer. This camp is for
children ages 7 to 16 and is held at Camp Rotary in Grand Lake. The
children are also invited to bring a friend or family member (again, aged 7 to
16) with them. The camp is for 1 week, and is free of charge. There
is an Oncology nurse on site, as well as additional nursing staff.
Children do need a "signoff" from a doctor indicating they are
healthy enough to handle going to camp. Once there, children get to
participate in all kinds of activities: campfires, canoeing, swimming, arts and
crafts and more!
This is just a sample of some of the work done by the Canadian Cancer
Society. There is much more I could say, but what I encourage is to check
out
www.cancer.ca and have a look at the
information there. You can also get more information about how you can
get involved.
Aside from all of these fantastic programs, I have a much more personal
reason for being involved. I have had family members diagnosed with
cancer, but nothing was a bigger shock than when my dad was diagnosed in
September 2011. This was a devastating blow to my family. My dad, a
jogger, kayaker, community activist, mentor and friend to many, was diagnosed with
stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Typical survival for this type of diagnosis is
3 to 6 months. Due to advances in treatment, clinical trials and
my dad's willingness to try anything and everything, we were able to have 1
year and nearly 7 months after his diagnosis. I cannot express what this
time meant to me and my family. During this time, I truly began to
realize the impact of the Canadian Cancer Society's programs, advocacy efforts,
information and research. When my dad passed away on April 6, 2013, my
determination to continue
the fight against this horrible disease was
strengthened. That is why I continue to
support
this organization.
Want to share information about a non-profit you're passionate about?
Did you volunteer at an event or for an organization that was
rewarding/inspiring/amazing/fun? Share in the comments below!
