It has been an honor to work as the Quality of Life Manager for the American Cancer Society for the past five years. My responsibilities included forming programs to meet the needs of cancer patients, and providing these services through our volunteers. My territory included La Plata County, as well as Pagosa Springs, Telluride, Cortez, Mancos and Farmington. Volunteers in the counties I served are amazing!
There are over 35 drivers in four counties to drive patients to their treatment. There are 15 volunteers, breast cancer survivors, who meet with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to answer their questions and calm the fears that come with this disease. There is a Man to Man group that meets monthly to offer education and support to men with prostate cancer, and a general support group for all cancer patients and loved ones. Ten local hotels provide complimentary rooms (when available) to patients who travel more than an hour for treatment. (More hotels are needed.) Volunteers work in the Cancer Resource Center, located in the Durango Cancer Center, five days a week to arrange services for cancer patients. And cosmetologists and their assistants offer the Look Good, Feel Better program that provides makeovers to women in cancer treatment, including a valuable kit of products.
These wonderful volunteers are too many to name individually. I want to extend my thanks once again for the difference they are making, by giving of their time and energy to the services provided by the American Cancer Society for cancer patients and their caregivers. The generous hearts of my volunteers have made my experience working with the American Cancer Society truly a pleasure. Although I am retiring, I plan on joining the volunteer team in the near future!
With sincere gratitude,
Ginna Harbison