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ACS partners with Giving Docs during National Make-A-Will month

​ACS team members and supporters are eligible for this free service.​

August is National Make-A-Will month, and the American Cancer Society recently launched a new partnership with Giving Docs, which offers free will development, among other estate planning services. ACS team members and supporters can take advantage of this free service and quickly create (or update) a legally binding will, durable power of attorney and/or advance medical directive with zero cost or obligation. This resource is also unique in that it provides the option to leave a gift for the American Cancer Society, if inspired to do so.

“About 67% of Americans die in testate, meaning they do not have a will. We often hear the common perception that creating a will is expensive, time-consuming, or emotionally challenging for individuals,” said Bobby Collier, senior vice president, Planned Giving. “This partnership between ACS and Giving Docs will help to overcome these barriers and allow ACS supporters to advance the values most important in their lives by providing a gift through estate planning.” 

This opportunity is not limited to the month of August and anyone who is interested is encouraged to visit the Giving Docs website to get started. 

“My husband and I put off creating a will mainly due to the cost quoted by our financial planner, which was more than $3,000. When I found out about the new opportunity through Giving Docs I immediately signed up,” said Lisa Bishop, managing director, Region Philanthropy. "The Giving Docs software was so easy to understand and navigate as we were creating the documents. I would recommend this benefit to anyone who has been putting off planning for the future and ensuring that your assets, and your family, are taken care of!”

For more information about Planned Giving and estate planning, or to contact someone at ACS about these topics, visit cancer.org. 

​

  • Volunteer Engagement Survey identifies key strengths and opportunities

    ​Participation in 2023 annual survey grew 4% over previous year.​​​

    Many thanks to the more than 3,350 volunteers who took time to provide feedback by participating in the 2023 Volunteer Engagement survey, which is issued to a select group of committed volunteers each fall.

    “Survey participation increased by 4% year-over-year (YOY) and we hope that continues to grow,” said Ashley Merritt, senior director, Volunteer Experience. “We are committed to sharing these key learnings with our surveyed volunteers and building action plans to help address areas of opportunity to strengthen volunteer engagement across ACS and ACS CAN.” 

    For overall audience, some of the key findings include:

    • “Clarity of ACS priorities,” a key engagement driver, continues to increase (+4% YOY)
    • “Proud to work at ACS” (95%) and “Support ACS values” (93%) are the most agreed upon statements among volunteer leaders.
    • “I feel my voice is heard” remains flat at 82% for total volunteer leadership, pointing to an area of opportunity to strengthen and grow our engagement.
    • However, “I feel my voice is heard” increased 4% points among Event Leadership Team volunteers (78%), indicating that progress is being made for this segment of leaders. 

    For ACS CAN volunteer leaders, we saw positive movement across three important metrics:

    • “I feel my voice is heard” (83%)
    • “I can be successful” (88%)
    • “I am motivated by ACS priorities” (93%)

    Area board ranking improved for “I feel my voice is heard” but declined in other key drivers like “I feel recognized” and “I am making a difference” (both down 3% points), which are drivers the organization will focus on at the region level.

    As a next step, ACS leaders will take a deeper dive into role and geography specific survey data to glean additional insights that can help inform action plans to support and address our greatest opportunities. Consider this survey as part of an ongoing conversation between ACS and our volunteer leaders. If you have additional suggestions, feedback, or ideas we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to our volunteer engagement team via a secure inbox at VolunteerEngagement@cancer.org.



  • Becky VanLoon named National Volunteer Co-Lead for Relay For Life

    ​North Region leader brings more than 20 years of ACS volunteer experience to the role.

    On Aug. 20, Relay For Life leaders announced that Becky VanLoon, MBA, a 20+ year Relayer and 23-year kidney cancer survivor, has been selected as the next volunteer lead for Relay For Life.

    Becky, who is also a Voice of Hope, has participated in Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and other American Cancer Society community fundraising events across seven states in her more than 20 years as a volunteer. She currently resides in Mason City, IA, and serves as the Relay For Life volunteer lead for the North Region, where she is known for her “North Stargazer” Relay For Life newsletter. When not volunteering for ACS, Becky works as the Marketing Manager at the North Wind Group, an environmental, construction, and engineering government contractor.

    “Becky’s passion and work ethic are contagious, and in her role over past year she has made Relay volunteers in the North Region and beyond feel supported and heard,” said Bryan Sherwood, senior director, Relay For Life, “I’m excited to partner with her to drive our Relay strategy across the country.”

    In this new role, Becky will also serve on the Nationwide Community Fundraising Leadership Team (NCFLT), representing Relay For Life. “Becky’s years of experience, genuine relatability and leadership skills will be a real asset to her new role as the National Relay Lead,” said Ruth Fitzsimmons, co-lead volunteer of the NCFLT.

    Becky will co-lead the team with Suzy Lawrence, who has been a National Relay Leadership Team lead since early 2023. 

    Please join us in congratulating Becky on her new role, and get to know her better with the interview below!

    20 Questions with Becky VanLoon 

    Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert?
    Everyone thinks I am an extrovert. I am actually an introvert. I crash after extroverting for a bit.

    What’s the phone app you use most?
    Probably my email and texting, but I have been playing a lot of Royal Match lately.

    How do you take your coffee?
    With lots of sugar, flavoring, and coconut milk.

    What TV show reminds you of your life?
    Little House on the Prairie - moving a lot and always starting over.

    What makes you feel at peace?
    The mountains and ocean waves.

    If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
    Fly-- I've even had a recurring dream about it since I was a kid.

    What song always gets you out on the dance floor?
    Nothing really…I will go with kids and friends to keep Relay hopping though.

    What are you currently reading?
    In paper it's a book for work called "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and going through a bunch of audiobooks lately, my favorite has been "The Watchmakers Daughter" by Lloyd Loftis.

    Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
    I have a couple on my list: Alaska (missing it big time), safari in South Africa (I want to see an elephant in the wild) and Norway (it's part of my heritage).

    What would be the title of your memoir?
    I already have one picked out so I can't tell you that until it's published ;) so I'll say "It's Been a Wild Ride."



  • Introducing the Patient Support Volunteer Virtual Summit

    ​Join us as we celebrate our volunteers, who are the heartbeat of the work we do.​

    We’re excited to announce the first annual Patient Support Volunteer Virtual Summit on Wednesday, April 24, from 3 – 4:30 p.m. ET!

    The summit will recognize and appreciate Patient Support volunteers who have made a significant impact this year. 

    Attendees will also learn about Patient Support programs, their impact, and volunteer opportunities. We will hear from Patient Support leadership, as well. The award categories are: 

    • ACS CARES - Student Standout Leadership Award, Community Volunteer Award, Health System Champion Award
    • Hope Lodge program - Margot S. Freudenberg National Volunteer Group Award, Margot S. Freudenberg National Volunteer Individual Award, Margot S. Freudenberg National Volunteer Rookie of the Year Award
    • Reach To Recovery– Outstanding Volunteer Award for Excellence
    • Road To Recovery – Rookie of the Year, Pacesetter of the Year, Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, Partner of the Year (there will be four awards in each region and the California Guan Hawaii Division)

    All ACS team members and volunteers are welcome to attend as well as potential volunteers, partners, and donors. The event will celebrate our volunteer accomplishments and to learn more about the impact of our patient programs and volunteer opportunities. Please register to attend at volunteersummit.windrosemedia.com.

    Help us celebrate our amazing Patient Support volunteers and learn more about how you can support and get involved with our patient programs!



  • National Volunteer Award winners honored for impact

    ​Achievements celebrated include 2023 Discovery Award winners and others. 

    Congratulations to the following volunteer and partner award winners! Together with the Volunteer Leadership Award honorees and other national award winners, which were announced previously during the national Volunteer Leadership Summit in January, these individuals and partners have raised significant funds, served hundreds of patients, and had a tremendous impact on the lives of people with cancer and their families.

    • Early-Career Researcher of the Year: Diana Hargreaves, PhD, associate professor with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    • Trish Greene Quality of Life Award: Jennifer Temel, MD, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and clinical director of Thoracic Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital; ACS Clinical Research Professor
    • Fredda Bryan National DE&I Award: Angelo Moore, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAA, director of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) Office of Health Equity
    • St. George Award winner, Puerto Rico: Jose C. Buenaga Ortiz, MBA, HSM, CEO of EIG Group Corp.
    • Philanthropy Partner of the Year: Lyda Hill Philanthropies

    Pictured above, ACS team members and Philanthropy Partner of the Year, Lyda Hill, posed at a BrightEdge event late last year. Pictured left to right are, Jeff Felis, EVP, South Region; Farnaz Bakhshi, director, Innovation – BrightEdge; Lyda Hill; Alice Pomponio, vice president, Innovation & Impact Investing/managing director, BrightEdge; Amy Berg, principal, Philanthropy; Sarah Ballard, principal, Philanthropy, and Steve Curtis, senior director, New Ventures.

    All award winners will be highlighted throughout the year, so continue to watch ACS news and enterprise social media as we spotlight our 2023 winners in the coming months!  

    ​

  • Volunteer Leadership Summit sessions available via playback

    ​Eight recordings include State of the Society and Volunteer Leadership Award presentations.

    Most general sessions from the Volunteer Leadership Summit in January have been packaged for playback and are accessible on My Society Source for both ACS team members and leadership volunteers to view. The Volunteer Leadership Summit is an opportunity to bring together and help empower our Area Board leaders and other key volunteers to amplify our mission and revenue priorities in their local communities and beyond. Check out any of the following for a glimpse into this impactful annual event:

    Welcome, Brian Marlow

    • Brian Marlow, chair of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society, welcomes volunteer leaders, illustrating the purpose of the annual Volunteer Leadership Summit

    Welcome, Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard 

    • Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, chair of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, welcomes volunteer leaders, emphasizing the importance of their commitment to the organization’s mission

    Volunteer Leadership Award, Dr. Paul Schroy

    • Dr. Paul Schroy, who has served as a part of the Colorectal Cancer Roundtable since its inception, accepts the national Volunteer Leadership Award

    Volunteer Leadership Award, Scott Rollin

    • Scott Rollin, who has been a vocal champion for engaging volunteers in meaningful and strategic work at ACS for more than 20 years, accepts the national Volunteer Leadership Award

    CEO State of the Society

    • CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen shares a detailed look at ACS priorities and activations with volunteer leadership, pictured above

    Remembering Jim Bond

    • Michael L. Neal, chief of organizational advancement, and Stacy McGrath, co-chair of the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, acknowledge the decades long commitment of the late Jim Bond and his wife Kathleen

    Cancer Facts & Figures

    • Kimberly Jackson, executive vice president – Southeast Region, and Dr. Bill Dahut, chief scientific officer, discuss the release of the 2024 Cancer Facts & Figures, emphasizing the importance of the annual publication 

    Dr. Adrian Tyndall on Health Equity

    • Dr. Joseph “Adrian” Tyndall, executive vice president of Health Affairs, professor and dean at Morehouse School of Medicine, expands on the importance of health equity, health justice, and what we are trying to achieve

  • Dr. Winn to be honored for positive impact in oncology

    ​The Association of Community Cancer Centers is set to recognize our ACS Board Member.​

    American Cancer Society Board member Robert Winn, MD, director and Lipman Chair in Oncology, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, will be recognized on March 1 by the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) during the group’s annual summit. His honor, the 2024 Clinical Research Award, recognizes individuals whose research has significantly and positively impacted the oncology patient, family, and/or community.

    Dr. Winn has served on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors since 2021 and serves as chair of the Inclusive Workforce Sub-Committee.

    Founded in 1974 to promote quality cancer care, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is a community of more than 34,000 multidisciplinary practitioners and 1,700 cancer programs and practices nationwide across all disciplines in oncology. Members rely on ACCC for education and advocacy support in adapting and responding to complex changes and challenges in the delivery of quality cancer care.

    The ACCC 50th Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit offers opportunities to collaborate, grow, and transform. Executives from across the health care leadership community will come together Feb. 28 through March 1 in Washington, D.C., to explore cutting-edge solutions to persistent challenges and together, navigate our shifting cancer care landscape.
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