How You Can Help
Patient/Survivor Volunteers
Patient/Survivor and Caregiver Volunteers
The following programs are designed exclusively for MD Anderson patient/survivor and caregiver volunteers.
The Anderson Network
A Program of the Department of Volunteer Services
Anderson Network is MD Anderson’s patient/survivor and caregiver support organization. As part of the Department of Volunteer Services, Anderson Network offers programs that share hope and understanding through the creation of learning opportunities, education forums, and survivor and caregiver support. Most of the Anderson Network programs are available to all cancer survivors and caregivers, regardless of where they received care.
- Onsite Hospitality Centers in the Main Building and the Ambulatory Clinical Building – on-campus oases hosted by cancer survivor and caregiver volunteers where patients and caregivers can relax and enjoy refreshments.
- Patient and Caregiver Phone Support Line – volunteers provide telephone support to cancer survivors and caregivers; available at 1-800-345-6324.
- Pediatric Caregiver Telephone Support Network – program connecting pediatric caregivers and survivors of childhood cancers and illnesses to others with similar diagnoses and experiences; available at 1-800-345-6324.
- Community Outreach Support Groups – volunteers provide peer-facilitated monthly meetings in several communities in Texas and Louisiana.
- Cancer Survivorship Conference – volunteers serve on the planning committee and sub-committees for the annual celebration held in September. The conference offers a variety of speakers on issues important to cancer patients/survivors and their caregivers.
For more information, contact the Anderson Network at 713-792-2553 or toll free at 1-800-345-6324 or send a request via e-mail to andersonnetwork@mdanderson.org.
Regional Care Centers
The Regional Care Centers offer convenience, direct appointment scheduling and free parking for patients. Patient services include radiation treatment services, medical oncology and hematology consultation, outpatient chemotherapy, laboratory and pharmacy services. The centers also offer nutrition education, assessment and counseling, as well as social work counseling, including support groups and community resources.
- Bay Area – Located on the campus of CHRISTUS St. John Hospital.
- The Woodlands – Located on the campus of St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.
- Katy – Located on the campus of CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital.
- Sugar Land – Located on the campus of St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital.
Volunteers assist staff, welcome patients and provide support and encouragement during patients’ visits. Volunteer spaces are limited.
An individual must have no less than six months experience as a volunteer on the main campus of MD Anderson prior to placement in a Regional Care Center.
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 MD Anderson breast cancer survivor volunteers are trained to visit new and current MD 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.
Become a Volunteer
Interested in becoming an MD Anderson volunteer?
- Complete the Volunteer Interest Questionnaire.
- If there is a position that matches your interests, skills and schedule, you will be contacted by a staff member in the Department of Volunteer Services.
- For more information contact Volunteer Services at 713-792-JOIN (5646) or volunteering@mdanderson.org.