Volunteer Profile of the Month
Theresa Acchione, Calgary, AB
Losing her father to a cancerous brain tumour was a life-changing event for Theresa Acchione. After his death seven years ago, she knew she wanted to raise awareness for the disease that had affected her so personally. She started volunteering with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada as a convener for the Calgary support group. That same year, she leant a hand at the registration table for the Calgary Information Day and it was during this conference that the idea of coordinating the Calgary Spring Sprint was proposed to her. The role seemed daunting at the time, but the previous coordinator offered words of encouragement which motivated Theresa to accept the challenge.
As the Calgary Spring Sprint coordinator, she is responsible for everything from sponsorship to media awareness for the event. She is thankful for the great group of people on the Spring Sprint Committee and believes that this year, being her second year as the coordinator, is much easier than the first which she claims was a “work in progress.”
Through her involvement, she has acquired many new friends in the brain tumour community. The dedicated patients and families she has met, however, are the most inspirational. “You would think that the people going through it wouldn’t have the time or energy to come out, but they somehow do. By contributing, they get a sense of control over a situation they really have no control over,” she says in awe.
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of volunteering, Theresa laughs at her arguably cliché answer of “making a difference.” After speaking to her, though, it’s clear that she truly is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those who surround her. Theresa knows how difficult and overwhelming the journey through diagnosis and treatment can be, so she reaches out to others who are trying to cope. “I’m here to support everyone in any capacity I can,” Theresa adds.
Despite her constantly busy schedule of balancing work and volunteering, Theresa says she finds time to help because it is gratifying: “The cause has to be something that is important to you, not just another task on your to-do list. It’s something you want to do, even if you have the most hectic lifestyle.”
Previous Volunteer of the Month: Robin Bateman
Please CLICK HERE to learn more about the opportunities that are available for you to volunteer with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
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À 2003 Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada 1.800.265.5106
Charitable Registration #BN118816339RR0001 |