Volunteer Opportunity Details:

When people first find out they have breast cancer, they may feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, and alone. While under this stress, many people must also learn about and try to understand complex medical treatments and then choose the best one.

Talking with a specially trained Reach to Recovery volunteer at this time can give a measure of comfort and an opportunity for emotional grounding and informed decision-making. Volunteers are breast cancer survivors who give patients and family members an opportunity to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns, and ask questions of someone who is knowledgeable and level-headed. Most importantly, Reach to Recovery volunteers offer understanding, support, and hope because they themselves have survived breast cancer and gone on to live normal, productive lives.

Here is a portion of a story of how Reach to Recovery helps:
As a breast cancer survivor herself, Inez became a Reach to Recovery volunteer for one main reason – when she was diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive breast cancer Inez’s Reach volunteer changed her life. “I’ll never forget the first time I spoke to her. She didn’t treat me like a cancer patient. Instead she said ‘Inez, you will get through this. You may not be able to run as fast, but you’ll still run.’ She gave me courage and strength to get up on my feet.”

Inez wanted to give others the same encouragement and hope. “As good as our doctors are, they’re treating our physical ailments,” said Inez. “Reach to Recovery volunteers help heal the emotional wounds. They understand you and they’re there for you.”

Volunteers must be a breast cancer survivor and/or out of treatment for at least one year. If you want to be a volunteer and are still going through treatment you may get a note from your doctor stating you are emotionally ready. Also, you must go through a 4 hour training session and then yearly certifications

This opportunity is sponsored by: American Cancer Society -Southwest Michigan

We need volunteers who are free at these times Afternoon Saturday Evenings Sunday Friday Thursday Monday Tuesday Mornings Wednesday This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Seniors (55+) Young Adults (18-25) Adults (26-54)

Contact Person: Emily Elliott, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

1400 W. Milham Portage, MI 49024 (See a map)

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Kalamazoo
Counties:		Allegan Calhoun Cass Kalamazoo Saint Joseph Van Buren
Statewide:		Available throughout all of Michigan