Want to Volunteer for a Breast Cancer Cause? Here’s What You Need to Know
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The holidays are a time when you may want to help others and give back to a cause. When you think of supporting breast cancer causes, donating money may be the first thing that comes to mind. While financial contributions can make a huge difference, volunteering your time and talents is also a meaningful way to make an impact.
As the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, volunteering no longer requires in-person commitments. Thanks to virtual-friendly tasks, you can now provide tangible support from the comfort of your home.
“You don’t need to have been diagnosed with breast cancer to give back,” says Lynn Folkman, manager of community engagement at Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit that provides trusted information and community support to those diagnosed with or affected by breast cancer.
Folkman advises finding a volunteer opportunity that resonates with you. She says you can get involved in many ways, big and small, but being passionate about what you’re doing makes the experience more rewarding for you and the organization.
Consider the following ways to get involved this holiday season:
Become an Advocate
One meaningful way to contribute is by lending your voice as an advocate. You can raise awareness, influence policy, uplift patients and caregivers, and drive impactful change.
For example, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers two advocacy training programs: The Young Advocate Program for those diagnosed at 45 or younger, and Hear My Voice for those living with metastatic breast cancer.
After training, advocates can get involved in many ways. “That can be personal advocacy, community, organizational, media advocacy, research and scientific, and policy and legislative advocacy,” Folkman says.
Assemble Care Packages
Undergoing surgery and treatment for breast cancer can be scary and stressful. A care package filled with comforting and practical items offers individuals with breast cancer much-needed support during this challenging time. As a volunteer, you can brighten someone’s day by assembling thoughtful post-mastectomy bags.
BRCA Strong — a nonprofit organization supporting women facing breast and ovarian cancer founded by Tracy Milgram — provides free care packages to women. They include essentials to help women recover after a mastectomy. Milgram says volunteers are needed to sew drain pockets onto shirts and robes, stitch support pillows, and prepare the bags for women to use after surgery.
Even if you aren’t local, you can receive the supplies by mail and return them when you’re finished sewing. “We want to help women all over the world get these care packages into their hands before surgery,” Milgram says.
Tell Your Story
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, sharing your personal experience can provide connection, hope, and empowerment to others facing the disease. When you tell your story, you remind others they’re not alone.
Consider opportunities to share your story through platforms like conference panels, blogs, and private social media groups. “Much of that is encouraging others to advocate for themselves and also for people to get information from people who have walked in their shoes,” Folkman says.
You can also share your story in webinars for healthcare providers. According to Folkman, this gives healthcare providers direct insights from patients, often leading to a deeper understanding of the breast cancer experience.
If you’re looking to share your journey on a panel or webinar, check the website of your preferred breast cancer organization for notices about upcoming speaking opportunities. Connect with other advocates who’ve been on panels, and follow breast cancer groups on social media, where they may advertise needs for panelists.
Fundraise to Spread Awareness
Folkman says hosting a fundraising event is another way to provide financial support but also builds invaluable awareness.
You can get creative by organizing bake sales, talent shows, and social media activities — the options are endless! You can also open your home to host dinners, parties, or auctions. Fundraising spotlights the cause, allows you to rally people, and fuels programs while having fun, even if it’s on a small scale.
Although asking others for money may initially feel uncomfortable, remember it furthers a critical cause, Folkman adds. Raising dollars — without having to reach into your own pockets — delivers tangible aid, as does the awareness generated by bringing people together.
Volunteer at Local Events
If you prefer in-person events, consider volunteering to educate your community about breast cancer prevention and care. Many organizations hold in-person events year-round. These provide opportunities to connect and contribute to your community.
Medical professionals can provide screenings, demonstrate self-exam techniques, and share guidance during local events, including BRCA Strong’s 5K run, Milgram says. But medical expertise isn’t required to make an impact. Passionate volunteers can help distribute materials, staff water stations, and assist participants, she adds. Youth can also earn community service hours while gaining valuable experience.
Volunteers can also represent smaller nonprofits by working at their tables or booths during larger events, notes Folkman. They can assist with registration, stuffing goodie bags, and other tasks.
Look for events on organizations’ websites and sign up for their email lists. Connecting on social media is another way to stay updated on volunteer needs.
More Ways to Get Involved
You always have the option to lend your unique skills to your breast cancer organization of choice. This may include:
- Giving comfort to those in hospice by facilitating activities and offering companionship
- Keeping patients warm by donating handmade items, like scarves, hats, or blankets
- Managing an organization’s social media account
- Offering your professional skills like graphic design, marketing, or legal services
- Sharing talents like music, art, or counseling to uplift those in treatment
- Spreading hope through programs that provide makeovers, photography, or fashion for patients
- Volunteering to assist with administrative tasks
While this time of year may emphasize the importance of helping others, for millions, breast cancer is a 365-day fight. Consider volunteering year-round, when needs go beyond the holidays.
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