This week, the American Cancer Society is celebrating National Volunteer Week. In honor of the thousands of ACS volunteers throughout Nebraska, we will share some stories of dedication from those who give their time and energy to the fight against cancer around the state. Check back each day this week to view new featured stories of volunteerism. If you’d like to share your story, please email us by clicking here.
Brenda Preister
Columbus
Like so many people, Brenda Preister became involved with Relay For Life after being personally touched by cancer. In 2007 her daughter, Charli, was diagnosed with stage III Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. The first Relay they attended marked the end of Charli’s chemotherapy, putting her into NED (no evidence of disease) status.
“My husband and I walked the track holding our 11-month-old little girl and watched the look on people’s faces as they wondered why such a small thing had that purple shirt on,” said Brenda.
The following year Charli was selected to be the honorary co-chair for the Relay For Life of Platte County. That year, the Relay Team Charli’s Angels was formed raising an amazing $13,168 as a first-year team and has been the top Friends and Family team at the Platte County event for two years in a row. Since that first year, Brenda decided to make an even larger impact in the fight against cancer and served as co-chair of the Relay with Charli’s great aunt, Janelle Preister.
During Charli’s treatment, the Preisters found out first hand how the American Cancer Society can benefit those faced with the disease. They recieved an ACS gas card to assist with travel expenses in getting Charli to her treatments. They were also on the website coutless times to learn as much as they could at all times of the day. A few years later they turned to ACS again to help her mother-in-law with her battle using numerous ACS resources to help their family along the journey that cancer leads.
“Raising money for the American Cancer Society to find a cure for cancer is something we all need desperately and we will all benefit from,” commented Brenda. “If not for you today, maybe for you tomorrow…your spouse, child, parent or sibling. I have in-laws, cousins, friends and neighbors who are battling cancer. Unfortunately, I know ther will be more to come. Those people will have direct access to all that ACS offers because of money raised by our county and that is an amazing thought to try to process. The bottom line for me is that years ago someone was selfless enough to Relay. Because of all the hard work put forth years ago, we will celebrate Charli’s 4th birthday this summer! That is all the reason I will ever need.”
(Photo: Brenda and her daughter Charli)
Meridith Tusha
Omaha
Meridith Tusha became involved with the American Cancer Society shortly after losing her older sister Lisa to breast cancer at age 37. She called the American Cancer Society’s 800 number (1-800-227-2345) and was told about Relay For Life. She joined the planning committee for the Douglas County Relay right away. She was so eager to begin volunteering because Lisa’s battle with cancer was not the first. When she was five-years-old she was diagnosed with cancer in her ear canal (embroyonal rhabdomyosarcoma). Lisa was not “supposed” to live. Her having more birthdays meant that Meridith got to know her. Her resolve to give back became even stronger in February 2007 when her dad was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer (Glioblastoma Multiforme) and passed away six months later.
Meridith has seen how ACS can help cancer patients by using www.cancer.org and the ACS 1-800 number. Last year, she served as chair for Nebraska’s largest Relay For Life event in Omaha and is team development chair for the event this year.
“I believe it is important for people to be involved with ACS because our time is making a difference in the fight against cancer,” commented Tusha. “We are giving people the resources they need to get answers and we are helping provide services that truly make a difference in cancer survivors and caregivers lives. I know someday when someone gets the diagnosis for stage IV brain cancer it won’t be a death sentence and the money we raise for research during Relay For Life will have made the difference.”
Geri From
Lincoln
Geri From was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. After her second chemotherapy treatment, she was laying in bed feeling pretty sorry for herself when an American Cancer Society Relay For Life volunteer asked her to walk in the local Relay For Life. And walk she did! She was so touched by all the luminaria bearing her name and seeing all the survivors that night, that she has been involved with ACS since that first lap. But the reason she continues to volunteer after 12 years later is quite simple…her daughter Amy and granddaughter Jordan. It is her hope that they will never face a cancer diagnosis.
Geri has been such an instrumental part of the American Cancer Society in Nebraska, it might be easier to list off programs, services and events that she has NOT been a part of. In the last 12 years, Geri has been co-chair of the Relay For Life of Butler County as well as survivor chair for the event. She has attended Lobby Day, was an Ambassador for Celebration on the Hill and is a member of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. She is a Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery and office volunteer and was recognized as one of Nebraska’s Heroes of Hope in 2010. In the community, Geri was instrumental in bringing a cancer specific health fair to David City that provided free cancer screenings for breast, colon, oral and skin cancer as well as general ACS information. She implemented a Cancer Resource Center at the Public Library in David City and helped to bring a cancer specific health fair to the community as well. Geri also hosted an event to honor breast cancer survivors in David City and implemented a “Pictorial Tribute” for Relay For Life.
“I think it is important for people to be involved with the American Cancer Society in order to gain knowledge of the important work that is being done,” said From. “Research, education, advocacy and patient services all greatly impact not only the quality of life but also the survival rates of cancer patients. As a Reach to Recovery volunteer I think it is important for a newly diagnosed cancer patient to talk to someone who has faced a breast cancer diagnosis. As a Hero of Hope, I want to let my audience know what an important part research has played in my survivorship. The American Cancer Society’s dedication to research has helped make it all possible.”
(Photo: Geri has sewn Relay t-shirts on the back of jean jackets and donates them to Relays across the state that have silent auctions.)
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