After moving to New Orleans, Lori Watts volunteered at the American Cancer Society’s annual gala event as a way to make new connections in the city. “I felt that ACS aligned with a lot of the things I am passionate about,” said Watts. “My family has been directly impacted by cancer, and volunteering with ACS was my way of honoring those family members and a chance to be around others who have also been impacted by cancer.” She appreciated the community of like-minded people who were making a difference in the lives of others.
Now the Associate Director of Development with the local American Cancer Society, Watts is dedicated to making sure everyone in the community is aware of the many resources they provide to people affected by cancer, as well as their loved ones.
One of the biggest local impacts that ACS provides in New Orleans is the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, as Watts explained. One of 34 Hope Lodge communities in the United States, this facility on River Road provides a home away from home for patients and caregivers while receiving treatment in the New Orleans area. This free service helps relieve some of the financial burden that those with cancer and their families may face.
With its location in close proximity to treatment centers, the Hope Lodge offers guests a private room, kitchen space, and laundry facilities, as well as support from the volunteer community. The volunteers may help by providing meals, offering companionship, and working to make the space a comforting, home-like environment for guests.
In some instances, a lack of access to affordable, readily available transportation options may present an obstacle to people with cancer. This barrier can delay their ability to access timely care from medical professionals.
To address this issue, the American Cancer Society partners with local hospital systems to fund transportation grants, as Watts explained. Providing free transportation, rideshare vouchers, and public transit passes or gas cards increases patients’ ability to access crucial medical care. In addition, the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program recruits local volunteers to drive people with cancer to and from treatment. If you have access to a safe, dependable vehicle and want to volunteer for this cause, then learn more at the Road to Recovery website (cancer.org/involved/volunteer/road-to-recovery.html). Overall, the American Cancer Society’s mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, as Watts explained. They also work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer. “Our vision and what we’re striving for is to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Watts. She hopes to see the local ACS chapter continue to thrive and grow within the greater New Orleans community through the many patient support programs, screening initiatives, and fundraising events.
One of the best ways to get involved with the local American Cancer Society is by reaching out directly to learn more about the organization’s mission and impact, as well as by volunteering with one of the community fundraising events. These include the Cure by Design gala, Shuck Cancer, Men Wear Pink, and Allies Against Cancer. The local ACS community welcomes those interested in helping out by volunteering, sponsoring, or donating to their events.
Watts invites anyone interested in volunteering to email her directly (lori.watts@cancer.org). Whether you want to volunteer with Hope Lodge, become a driver for the Road to Recovery program, work a fundraising event, or something else entirely, Watts can find the right opportunity to match your talents and interests. As she attests, this work is incredibly meaningful.
“Becoming a volunteer and now working for American Cancer Society has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Watts. “I love being able to give back through the work that I do every day, and I love sharing that with others who want to volunteer as well.”
GET INVOLVED
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, events, and other ways to get involved with the local American Cancer Society, email Lori Watts at lori.watts@cancer.org.
American Cancer Society, Inc.
PO Box 83930
Baton Rouge, LA 70884
1-800-227-2345
cancer.org
volunteercommunity.cancer.org
Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge
2609 River Road
New Orleans, LA 70121
504-219-2200
cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/new-orleans.html
