How You Can Help
Patient/Survivor Volunteers
Patients can be involved in a variety of volunteer programs at M. D. Anderson. The following programs are designed exclusively for patient volunteers:
The Anderson Network
When you are diagnosed with cancer, the immediate reaction is often fear of what lies ahead. The Anderson Network exists to counteract this fear and the uncertainty a cancer patient often faces. Under the Network’s sheltering umbrella are many programs that provide answers to questions, a hand to hold and a place to find hope.
The Anderson Network is one of the nation's largest volunteer organizations of current and former cancer patients and caregivers who are ready and willing to share their cancer journey with other patients and their caregivers. Volunteer opportunities at Anderson Network include:
The Hospitality Centers in the Main Building and the Ambulatory Clinical Building – Both of these warm, inviting oases are staffed by cancer survivors and caregivers. Here, patients, families and caregivers can meet fellow travelers on the cancer journey, enjoy coffee, juice and cookies while relaxing in a living room setting.
The Network's Telephone Support Line – This service matches Anderson Networkers with patients and caregivers who are dealing with similar cancer diagnoses and treatments.
Radiation Treatment Centers in The Woodlands and Fort Bend County — M. D. Anderson operates two off-site radiation treatment centers: the Radiation Treatment Center at The Woodlands on the campus of St. Luke’s Community Medical Center and the Radiation Treatment Center on the campus of OakBend Medical Center. Network volunteers are needed to assist staff, welcome patients and provide support and encouragement during patients’ visits.
Community Outreach Support Groups – Volunteers provide peer-facilitated monthly meetings in several communities in Texas and Louisiana.
“Living Fully With Cancer” – This annual patient and caregiver conference is held in Houston every September and offers many volunteer opportunities — from serving on the planning committee and sub-committees to greeting people as they arrive.
As well as …. Volunteers may also help facilitate special activities and events, participate in focus groups and assist with administrative tasks.
For more information, call the Anderson Network – (713) 792-2553 or 1-800-345-6324, or go to their Web site.
Most programs of the Anderson Network are open to anyone diagnosed with cancer and to those who care for them no matter where treatment is or was received.
The Pink Ribbon Program
The Pink Ribbon Program brings volunteer survivors face-to-face with current patients undergoing treatment in the Breast Center.
Research supports the concept of peer support for cancer patients’ healing process and patient-to-patient shared experiences allow common fears or anxieties to be expressed, supporting a patient's cancer journey. In the program, carefully selected M. D. Anderson breast cancer survivor volunteers are trained to visit new and current M. D. Anderson patients and family members. Educated to listen to patient concerns and share appropriate personal cancer experiences, the volunteer also provides patient support with care, compassion and integrity.
In addition, volunteer survivors are available to medical personnel. Unlike some cancers, treatment for breast cancer involves a menu of options. Pink Ribbon volunteers help breast cancer patients become more comfortable with available treatments by demonstrating their surgical results and answering questions about their personal treatment experiences.
Please join us. We’d be tickled pink. Call (713) 792-JOIN.