Become a Breast Cancer Survivor Volunteer
Breast Cancer Volunteers
A breast cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a journey. If you are a survivor who has been down the same road, you know better than almost anyone else what it takes—and you are uniquely positioned to help others just beginning their breast cancer journey.
If you’ve struggled with cancer and come out even stronger on the other side, you might find yourself wanting to give back. Maybe you were helped by a survivor when you were undergoing treatment, and you want to pay that forward. Maybe you want to pass along the practical lessons you’ve learned in your cancer journey. At CanCare, we want to help you do just that.
If you’ve struggled with cancer and come out even stronger on the other side, you might find yourself wanting to give back. Maybe you were helped by a survivor when you were undergoing treatment, and you want to pay that forward. Maybe you want to pass along the practical lessons you’ve learned in your cancer journey. At CanCare, we want to help you do just that.
How You Can Help as a Breast Cancer Survivor
However you’re comfortable supporting people just beginning their breast cancer journey, there’s a volunteer opportunity for you. You could work directly with people who need your support the most by volunteering your time and experiences on a one-to-one basis or in a cancer support group or similar program, or you could take a more indirect support role.
All of the following are great choices for those looking to work closely with those facing cancer:
All of the following are great choices for those looking to work closely with those facing cancer:
- Share your cancer experience with those who have recently been diagnosed—even though every individual’s cancer journey is different, your story can provide valuable insight as to what others can expect
- Volunteer your expertise to help people with breast cancer in other areas of life
- Driving a fellow survivor to their doctor appointments, or back home again
- Performing errands for someone facing breast cancer, like grocery shopping, picking up meals, or taking care of pets
- Visiting individuals dealing with cancer while they’re recuperating from surgery at the hospital
- Lead, co-lead, or participate in a cancer support group
- Take notes for someone facing a breast cancer diagnosis during their doctor’s appointments
- Volunteer with a breast cancer support network to distribute care packages to people undergoing treatment
- Helping with administrative tasks at a local cancer charity or event
- Donating to an organization like CanCare or participating in a fundraising drive
Volunteer Training Dates
Our team of therapists, training specialists, and healthcare professionals work together to ensure that every volunteer feels prepared for the job. The training program thoroughly prepares our breast cancer survivor volunteers by helping them process their personal cancer journey, develop listening skills, and learn how to best support their clients.
ONLINE/VIRTUAL TRAINING CLASSES:
February 25-26, April 22-23, July 20-21, October 7-8, November 16-17
INTRODUCTION TO CANCARE: INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS
Join us online to learn more about our volunteer program and what our volunteers do! (Friday, March 24th at 12 noon Central or Friday, June 2nd at 12 noon Central). Reserve your spot at the March session today at cancare2.rsvpify.com.
TWO-DAY TRAINING CLASS TIMES (CENTRAL TIME ZONE):
Weekend sessions are 9:00a - 3:00p Saturday and continue 1:30p - 6:00p.
Weekday sessions are 9:00a - 3:00p both days.
How Much Time Can I Volunteer with CanCare?
As a volunteer with CanCare, you decide how much time you can devote to supporting those facing breast cancer. Our organization pairs survivor volunteers with clients recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Our volunteers are crucial to the process, as they can provide a unique perspective and emotional support because they have been on a similar journey.
Whatever brings you to CanCare, we’re here to welcome you to our community of breast cancer survivor volunteers. Our mission is to ensure that anyone facing cancer has a survivor they can count on, who understands what they’re going through, and who is there for them when they need someone. If you’ve had breast cancer and want to help, reach out to us today.
Whatever brings you to CanCare, we’re here to welcome you to our community of breast cancer survivor volunteers. Our mission is to ensure that anyone facing cancer has a survivor they can count on, who understands what they’re going through, and who is there for them when they need someone. If you’ve had breast cancer and want to help, reach out to us today.
How to Become a Breast Cancer Volunteer with CanCare
When you’re ready to make a difference for another person facing breast cancer, reach out to CanCare to see how you can help!We offer online/virtual training classes throughout the year to become a member of the CanCare Volunteer Survivor team.
If you want to become a breast cancer survivor volunteer with CanCare, we can use you! Signup online to be a volunteer, email us, call us, or attend one of our events today.
Quick Links
Events
Looking to find us in the community? Click the link below and get registered to support CanCare!
Resources
Overwhelmed with a new diagnosis? Please click below for resources to assist you on your journey. You are not alone.
Volunteer Portal
Existing volunteers can use this link to be taken to the CanCare Volunteer
Portal to submit hours and manage their accounts
Virtual Support Groups
We offer virtual support groups for cancer caregivers and for survivors of stage IV cancers.
See what our volunteers say
... View Full Story“Cancer gave me the compassion to support others with cancer, to listen to and talk about life’s journey with cancer.”
... View Full Story"The fact that CanCare screens and trains their volunteers and that they can match a request from a patient or caregiver looking for support within 48 hours brings me so much peace. Cancer can be a serious problem and if I can be a part of helping someone’s cancer experience be a little bit easier or lighter, I feel like my own cancer had a purpose."
... View Full Story"The service CanCare provides in any community cannot be measured in hours or number of people affected. The goodness that pours out from volunteers and staff is so far reaching. It is not only the client who benefits by the support, but the client’s family can see the good it does for their loved one."
... View Full Story"I now have one CanCare client that had cancer in his tonsils just like I did. When we spoke the first time, he helped me as much as I helped him. It felt good and also reminded me what I endured and overcame. CanCare keeps me focused on my health and giving back to others. Giving back is a great reward."
... View Full Story"She was in a wheelchair and had just recently been diagnosed. She was slumped down in her wheelchair looking like she had lost her last friend. I introduced myself and told her that I was a stage 4 tongue cancer survivor. She got a big smile on her face, straightened up in her wheelchair, and asked, ”YOU ARE?” She was surprised. It was obvious I made a big impact on her but what she didn’t realize was how big an impact she made on me."
... View Full Story"I was very thankful that he took the time to visit patients goung through a rough time like myself. It made me feel like there was hope and that if he made, I could too."
... View Full Story"Her desire to 'give back' became stronger after she completed her treatment. Iris wanted to be available to other women who had just received news of their diagnosis. She wanted to offer hope and be a support to them."
... View Full Story"CanCare was instrumental in helping me discover how to walk side-by-side with my sister through her health event."
... View Full Story"Working as a volunteer at my local hospital by offering emotional support has been a life-changing experience. I started my journey at North Cypress thinking that offering my “help” to cancer patients would be my way of giving back to the community..."