Q, Can you describe your job?
A. I am one of several local volunteers that work in our Patient Resource Center that opened in May 2011. As a volunteer, I assist cancer patients and/or families that visit our center. We have a wealth of cancer-related educational material that covers most types of cancer. We also have a lending library of additional resource/motivational books. Our volunteers also assist patients with wig selection, and our center has local hair stylists that donate their time to fix the wig of their choice to their liking.
Q. How long have you been doing this?
A. Since May 2011. Fifteen volunteers split Mondays and Wednesdays, with shifts of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. Each volunteer works two to four shifts per month.
Q. What is the best part of your job?
A. The ability to help a cancer patient/family through this difficult time in their lives. As a cancer survivor myself, I understand the fear, pain and stress on the patient, as well as the family. If I can help, even a little bit, to ease the fear/concern for a patient then I feel that I have had a good day.
Q. What is the toughest part?
A. When a person is undergoing treatment for cancer, many lose their hair. To a woman, especially, this is a tough part of the cancer journey. Our center has a lovely wig boutique where a patient can pick out a wig of their choice. As a survivor, again, I have experienced this hair loss and feel that I can help someone through this emotional roller coaster as well. As I tell them, "I had fun with it! I wore all kinds of hats, had three different wigs ? changed it up and kept family and friends questioning on what I was going to look like!" It is tough to see patients suffering ? whether it is with pain, or the emotional effects of this disease.
Q. Can you describe your personal "mission statement" for your job.
A. Help us help others.
Q. What does the public not understand about your job?
A. All of our services are free to everyone! It doesn't matter where you live ? we can help! Other items that we have in our center are breast pillows, hats, scarves, knitted hats, knitted "boobies" for after surgery. We also can help the patient with other needs, such as transportation services, support programs, as well as financial assistance.
Q. What community projects are you involved with?
A. I serve on the Friends of St. Mary's Foundation Board, a board member of the Hardscrabble Lions Club, captain of the Park Church & Friends Relay For Life team, finance chairwoman of Park Presbyterian Church and involved in other community projects.
- WORKING will be a regular feature in The Times. To participate, call Tammie Sloup at 815-431-4048 or email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.
Source: http://www.mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=462966
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