Volunteer Stories
Check out how our amazing volunteers are helping to make a difference. Want to volunteer yourself? Visit cancer.org to find out how!
6abc is a valued partner to the American Cancer Society through media sponsorship and event participation. Each year, 6abc supports multiple events and initiatives, including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, DetermiNation, Coaches vs. Cancer, and more. In 2018, 6abc employee and ACS Bike-A-Thon committee member, Amanda Sarmiento, spawned the inaugural Team 6abc for the 46th Annual Bike-a-thon Bridge to the Beach event.
In addition to providing significant media coverage for the event, 6abc challenged its viewers to join in and support the Bike-a-thon.
Many 6abc staffers made the trek or participated through a donation, in memory of former Sports Director Gary Papa, including Jamie Apody, Ali Gorman, and President & General Manager Bernie Prazenica.
6abc’s support has had a tremendous impact on American Cancer Society’s life-saving mission.
Jose has been a volunteer with American Cancer Society for one year. In 2018, Jose lead the Philadelphia’s 46th Annual American Cancer Society Bike-a-thon Command Center, managing and fielding the hundreds of calls that come in day-of-event to ensure the safety of all participants and volunteers.
Rachel has been a volunteer committee member for the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program for 6 years. She is a DetermiNation athlete herself and she decided to join the committee due to her own passion for our mission. Rachel is a dedicated volunteer and sits on the Executive Committee, playing an integral role in decision making for the program’s success and growth in the Philadelphia area.
Neil is an amazing Coaches vs. Cancer champion. He mentors his students and helps them learn how to give back to the community through various fundraising and volunteer efforts. His Coaches vs. Cancer event raises over $15,000 each year. In addition to his own fundraising efforts, Neil looks for ways to engage other coaches and teams to help support the mission of American Cancer Society.
Over the past 10 years Mike, David, and Will have been incredible leaders and mentors for the Central Bucks Athletic Association Coaches vs. Cancer program. Their passion and dedication to the program is exceptional and they have touched so many lives in a positive way. Their support has helped the students raise almost $1 million to date.
Shonnie has been involved with the American Cancer Society’s Bike-a-thon for over 20 years. With a personal connection to the mission, Shonnie started as a volunteer for the event and has taken on the important role of lead manager at the Cherry Hill Rest Stop, one of the largest rest stops along the route. The rest stop manager role is a critical part of the event and helps to ensure a great event experience for our riders.
Every member of Team Stick Gloves Shirt is incredibly empowered and motivated to end the fight against cancer. This team focuses on the mission of the American Cancer Society and they are constantly striving towards new goals. Kathy is the driving force behind this push, and this team is truly an inspiration to be around.
Doug is an incredible Coaches vs. Cancer supporter. For over 10 years he has helped students lead the charge on Lower Merion High School’s Annual CvC Maroon Madness event. The event raises $7-10,000 each year has raised over $100,000 since its inception! Through his leadership, Lower Merion students have been given the opportunity to give back to the community and support the fight against cancer.
Enterprise CarShare is a true partner when it comes to providing transportation to treatment for patients living and receiving care in the city of Philadelphia. – Volunteers drive Enterprise CarShare vehicles at no cost to the volunteer or patient to take patients to treatment.
Jill was the event lead for the Relay For Life of Saint Joseph’s University in 2018. Her passion and leadership ensured that Relay For Life remains one of the largest organizations and top fundraising events on campus. Jill lead a committee of 160 volunteers and raised more than $90,000 last year.
Chas is a founding member of Young Professionals of the American Cancer Society (YPACS) group here in Philadelphia. Through YPACS, Chas participated as a Real Man in the 2017 campaign and earned the ranking of Top Man in Philadelphia and 26th Nationally. Chas is a great advocate for the mission of ACS spreading awareness through his network about our programs and services, with a particular passion for Philadelphia Hope Lodge.
Lori, Stacey, and Wendy hold an annual Trivia Night fundraiser that has grown so large it has expanded to two nights due to their recruitment of people who want to support the American Cancer Society’s mission. Roughly 600 people attended over the two night fundraiser this year, raising a total of more than $50,000 which is a significant increase year over year.
Richard is a Road to Recovery volunteer in Philadelphia County. His lifetime amount of rides given (through June of 2018) is over 150 rides.
Ann has served on the Relay For Life of Central Bucks Middle School’s planning committee since its inception 15 years ago. In her 15 years of service, Ann has made a significant impact on the American Cancer Society’s mission by recruiting tens of thousands of students to participate in Relay For Life and spread awareness to youth in our area.
Erin has been a leader of Young Professionals of the American Cancer Society (YPACS) since its inception more than three years ago. In her current role as President, she has helped define the groups objectives and create a palpable energy to move the ACS mission forward. Her passion for the cause has brought together her peers and has ignited a new generation of philanthropists who have elevated this group as a leader in Philadelphia and in the ACS network.
Chinere has been a reliable Look Good Feel Better volunteer since 2007. In the 10 years of volunteering, she has helped hundreds of women on their journey through treatment, and the American Cancer Society couldn’t be more grateful for her commitment to the program.
Coordinating rides since 2015, Vidya began with one county in Southern NJ, then added 6 additional counties. She is now coordinating rides in seven Southern NJ counties, New Castle County and the Fox Chase Cancer Program. Vidya will tell you that she isn’t a good driver but she has coordinated over 4,500 rides for her coverage area. Vidya did not have a personal connection to cancer and it is not a personal connection to cancer that connected her to her role. Vidya wanted to help others in some way and liked what she was doing as a Coordinator. She enjoys the feelings of positivity that came from helping people access the care they need. Vidya lives in Burlington County, NJ.