Volunteer Voices

Recently, ABC News anchor Amy Robach had a routine mammogram as part of their “GMA Goes Pink” day. She had never had a mammogram and had been putting it off, so she reluctantly signed up for the assignment. She never envisioned the news that she would receive – she had breast cancer.

And many times, that’s exactly what cancer does. It sneaks up on a family out of nowhere and suddenly lives are turned upside down. How will I get to all of my chemotherapy appointments? How can we make ends meet when I can’t work? How will my family survive not only financially, but emotionally?

When Barb Herdina and Mary Lu Norton started Door CANcer, Inc., in 1997, I’m certain they had no idea the number of lives they would touch. In 2013, Door CANcer is slated to exceed $100,000 in financial assistance to Door County families affected by this devastating disease.

What is most impressive about this organization is that is it run entirely by volunteers, volunteers who know the importance of helping to alleviate the burdens of a cancer diagnosis.

Margo Ireland is a volunteer at Door CANcer and while she would prefer to work “under the radar,” the work that Margo does, along with many others, is invaluable to this organization. Ireland, a cancer survivor herself, helps to organize the volunteer hostesses for Door CANcer’s upcoming Holiday Home Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7.

“I got involved with DoorCAN because I had a personal connection. It touches a place in my heart. I think when you have a connection to a volunteer opportunity, the experience is far more valuable,” stated Ireland.

What’s valuable is the work of Ireland and Door CANcer’s volunteers. “There are many ways for people to volunteer that are short term. You can pick up raffle prizes for one of our events or you can help out at our ‘Queens for a Day’ golf outing. It’s okay to just volunteer once for something and then move on to something else,” Ireland emphasized. And while Ireland is quick to point out that she “doesn’t do that much,” her hostess organizing is one thing that someone else doesn’t have to worry about. Never underestimate how much someone appreciates having just one thing taken off “his or her plate.”

Volunteers, no matter how much or how little time they have to give, make a difference…a big difference.

As I reflect upon all of the things for which I’m thankful, I’m especially grateful for organizations such as Door CANcer and the volunteers that work so diligently to be the bright spot in the dismal days of this horrible disease. I’m grateful for people who buy the tickets to their events and to the donors who write the checks to make the financial assistance possible. I’m grateful for people like Barb and Mary Lu for recognizing the need and then doing what needed to be done. So this Thanksgiving, try filling in the blank: I CAN ________.

For information about Door CANcer, Inc. or to purchase tickets to the Holiday Homes Tour ($30 each), contact Mary Lu Norton at 920.823.2433 or Barb Herdina at 920.743.8492. For information regarding volunteer opportunities in Door County, visit VolunteerDoorCounty.com or contact the Volunteer Center at 920.746.7704.