I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1993 and it was a great shock to me. I came to SHARE even before I had my surgery because I needed to talk to someone. Then around 2001, I got back in touch with SHARE to volunteer, and I've been working on the Helpline ever since.
To me it's such a blessing to work on SHARE's Helpline. To be able to convey some hope and peace of mind for that person on the other side of the line -- that's very rewarding for me.
We are able to follow your call from the first conversation to the end of your treatment if that's what you want. I always say to a first-time caller, "You know, I can call you on a weekly basis if you like, as a follow-up call." And many callers find this helpful. What other organization can do that?
This is what makes SHARE unique -- using our own cancer experience to give hope to other women, and reaching out to those with ongoing cancer concerns through follow-up calls.
Honestly, I can't think of a better way to do volunteer work.
Author
