Happy February!

Today is #WorldCancerDay, in which we honor fighters and survivors, remember those who have been taken by cancer, pay respect to the medical and support staff devoted to the fight, and wish peace for the individuals and families whose lives have been changed by this disease

Relay may look different this year, but our passion is unchanged! Join us on Thursday, February 4 for a nationwide virtual kickoff on Facebook Live. We’ll come together as a community to kickstart another year of celebrating lives, sharing stories, and using our strength as a community to fight for a cancer-free future. Relayers make the impossible possible. Join us!
https://facebook.com/relayforlife/live?__cft__[0]=AZXvm-Vfs4zeS9WTnTJhXkT9RGcexxxBrrViW-Lme8v6jAaSS5hsFPicUpvrsmHdD5FurW9AArYRFBxWdVBJTqMqVG5AmOJin_JdqKvdv3X0tcPIK5dANUavKp5YTN7-J4c&__tn__=q

February is #NationalCancerPreventionMonth ! The American Cancer Society is devoted to its mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Cancer prevention is key to achieving this goal. Join us all month (and beyond) in the fight to raise awareness and affect change

Tranquil Corner returns with Lily and Sukhpreet, Thursday 2/11 at 6pm. We will be live streaming FB on the HopeClub page!

Member Highlight!

Doris Ramirez-Romero

Doris has been an invaluable resource and amazing part of the heart of our work at ACS HopeClub..
She is a survivor yes.. and is so much more … her wisdom, mentoring, and outreach skills continue to help us make connections and open doors in the community… and her Latin Cooking class always has a waiting list … mouths drooling and people inspired to taste some delicious nutritious Latin meals filled with Hope!

An Interview With Doris

What led you to decide to be a volunteer at HopeClub?
As a cancer survivor, I wanted to to give back to the community that embraced me when I was initially diagnosed in April of 2104. I remember how welcomed and supported I felt when I walked threw the doors looking to become a volunteer in 2014 and shared my story to only realize I needed to become a member at that time.

How long have you been volunteering?
I have been a volunteer since 2016 assisting with recruiting student interns at SUNY Albany and attending Health Fairs on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
What I have enjoyed most  are hosting the Latin Cooking Classes. It has provided an opportunity to speak to newly diagnosed members about other support systems and resources in the Capital District in addition to teaching traditional Latin dishes.

What is a memory that has left a lasting impact on you while volunteering?
It always impacts me when I meet with a newly diagnosed person. I know first hand the overwhelming feeling of hearing the words you have cancer and thinking you are all alone. While volunteering I have had several experiences when I have come across someone that is feeling scared, overwhelmed and unsure of what the future holds. I appreciate the amazing services Hope Club offers to support survivors in different phases of treatment.

What is something you are doing during the pandemic that brings you joy?
Hosting our Family Sunday Fun Day, during warmer weather we would all go and play pickle ball then come home, enjoy the pool and BBQ with our family and friends. We also had themed dinners that each family member planned and organized, including dinner out to support the local restaurants during these difficult times.