October 24, 2006

Shirley James - American Cancer Society Volunteer

Shirley addressed the club about her varied jobs in the ACS Relay for Life project since her initial diagnosis with cancer back in 2000.  She has been active as a volunteer with the ACS since 2002 and reflected on how her encounter with the disease has led her into work in areas that she could never have anticipated.  She sees herself as being an advocate for the ACS for as long as she 'has a voice'.

She currently serves on the Relay for Life task force in Ohio and is co-chair of the Ohio Division of the 2007 Team Development group.  With that job, she has had the opportunity to travel internationally to Brazil to assist with preparation for their first relay scheduled to take place over Thanksgiving weekend in San Paulo.  She anticipates travel to Europe in the near future as well.  Her work is all volunteer with only having her travel expenses covered.

Shirley shared that New Bremen has found a place on the map in recognition of its efforts to raise $127K in cooperation with surrounding communities in the '06 relay.  Auglaize County has ranked in the top ten for per capita contributions over the last three years.

Other activities she has participated in have included the Celebration on the Hill in Washington DC in September.  This was an opportunity to bring recognition to the efforts of the ACS by our government officials, raised awareness of pressing issues regarding research funding and healthcare access and a commitment to support the efforts through legislation. 

She emphasized that early detection of cancer is key and that in the early stages, cancer is very treatable. 

Hosting Rotarian: Alex Rompilla