Volunteering for life

Garbo, a FIUTS lead facilitator, shares about her volunteer work with Relay for Life.

Garbo

This week, April 21 to 27, is National Volunteer Week. In addition to thanking our own FIUTS volunteers, we wanted to take this opportunity to recognize that many FIUTS students dedicate their time, energy, and talents to other great causes as well. This post, by FIUTS lead facilitator Garbo Chan, describes the experience of volunteering for Relay for Life:

I am an American-born Chinese, born and raised on Whidbey Island, WA. My parents emigrated from Hong Kong when they were teenagers. Currently, I am in my fifth year at the University of Washington studying at the Foster School of Business majoring in Marketing and International Business with a Chinese Minor. I have been involved with FIUTS for about 3 years now and have enjoyed every moment as a Lead Facilitator meeting people from all around the world!

I am currently the Recruitment Director for the American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life at the University of Washington! I will be walking on April 27, 2013 at 2:00PM at the University Of Washington Dempsey Track & Field. At Relay For Life events we celebrate those who have battled and beaten cancer, remember loved ones lost to this disease, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. At the event we have the unique opportunity to have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness for cancer prevention and treatment. I know too many people who are touched by cancer, and that is why I have joined the ACS on a mission to save lives and create a world with more birthdays by participating in the Relay For Life in my community.

The ACS is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Together with millions of supporters, the ACS is saving lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by researching and finding cures, and by fighting back. The ACS is the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit, non-governmental source of funds for scientists studying cancer. Funds raised through Relay For Life events support the ACS’s mission to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. The ACS has had a hand in nearly every major cancer research breakthrough of the last century.

As the Recruitment Director, I manage the development and implementation of new and sustainable recruitment and fundraising activities for the growth and retention of a 2,000 participant, $200,000 event. This year marks my 8 year involvement in Relay For Life, and with every passing year my passion and emotional investment in the event has escalated. Cancer has affected me personally. I have witnessed both the tangibles and intangibles. Not only have I experienced losing loved ones to cancer, but I can also testify that Relay For Life saves lives.

I am so thankful to be in the Relay For Life and FIUTS communities!