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Volunteering with the American Cancer Society is a great way to directly help community members facing a cancer diagnosis. American Cancer Society volunteers support cancer patients and their loved ones through a cancer journey, and help them navigate through challenges they may face by donating their time to the Society’s Cancer Resource Centers or the Look Good Feel Better® program.

The American Cancer Society has two Cancer Resource Centers in Colorado Springs: one at Memorial Hospital/University of Colorado Health and the Penrose Cancer Center. Trained Cancer Resource Center volunteers work at the hospital-based centers and offer peer support, encouragement, reassurance, and information on managing treatment as well as other non-medical needs. The Cancer Resource Centers are open to the public and services are free of charge. Volunteers receive training through the American Cancer Society and the hospitals, and volunteer for at least one four-hour shift per week.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Cancer Resource Centers,” said Hannah Nein, American Cancer Society health systems manager, hospitals. “We are looking for compassionate and dedicated people to enhance and enrich each family’s and patient’s experience.”

Look Good Feel Better is a program for women undergoing cancer treatment. Volunteer beauty professionals teach and support the women, by helping manage the appearance-related side effects due to treatment. Volunteers teach techniques to cope with skin and nail changes, as well as hair loss. Women participating in the class also receive skin care products. Look Good Feel Better is non-medical and brand neutral, and is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, and the Professional Beauty Association.

“Volunteering with Look Good Feel Better is a great way to lift a woman’s spirit while she’s undergoing cancer treatment,” said Paula Stephen, American Cancer Society mission delivery program manager.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with the American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Centers, or Look Good Feel Better, contact Hannah Nein at the Society at 630-4964 or visit cancer.org.