How You Can Help
About Us
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center was established in 1941 when the Texas Legislature appropriated $500,000 to create a state cancer hospital. Then called M. D. Anderson Hospital for Cancer Research of The University of Texas, the hospital was temporarily located on the James A. Baker estate near downtown Houston in 1942.
Volunteers were a part M. D. Anderson from the start. Photos show them in 1945 at the temporary hospital location rolling bandages outdoors under the trees. The Department of Volunteer Services was formally organized in 1954 when the hospital relocated to its present location. The scope of activities now includes more than 1,600 volunteers and encompasses more than 80 different programs.
Today, the Department of Volunteer Services has volunteer opportunities to fit into almost any schedule — and something to challenge every volunteer. Our volunteers provide service and support in programs throughout the institution and partner with nonprofits and the private sector to increase the impact of M. D. Anderson in the community. We have the best of all worlds at M. D. Anderson – the absolute finest in patient care and research and an army of volunteers enriched by the experiences and background that each person brings to their job.
M. D. Anderson has much to celebrate. During the last 60-plus years, more than 700,000 patients have turned to M. D. Anderson for cancer care in the form of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or combinations of these and other treatements. This year, more than 74,000 persons with cancer will receive care at M. D. Anderson and about 27,000 of them will be new patients.
Volunteers join with the faculty and staff to offer the care and compassion of their hearts and show commitment, integrity and a sense of discovery in their work. Together we are a making a difference. Since 1941, our mission has remained the same: to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Volunteer Services is to provide excellence in volunteer service and support to patients, families, faculty, staff and community partners with care, integrity and compassion.
Vision Statement
Through our committed and caring volunteer team, we will be the foremost leader in providing innovative, effective volunteer support services dedicated to improving the quality of life of cancer patients.