My Backyard

The American Cancer Society honored community volunteers at this year’s annual recognition dinner held in Warwick at MetLife recently.  More than 160 people attended the event. Throughout the year, volunteers in Rhode Island work to help prevent cancer, save lives, educate and diminish suffering in a variety of ways. This work with the Society has not gone unnoticed and this year’s event acknowledged the effort of all Rhode Island volunteers who have made a difference. National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 19-25, 2009.

The St. George National Award is presented to an outstanding Division volunteer in recognition of distinguished service in achieving the Society’s strategic goals. This award is voted on by the Division Board of Directors and must be approved by the National Board of Directors for the Society.

As the only one of 14 family members to survive cancer, Sgambato advocates with passion and eloquence for an increased commitment to fighting cancer from our state and federal lawmakers. She has served as a Reach to Recovery visitor, Reach board member, media spokesperson, Celebration on the Hill Ambassador, Relay For Life team member, committee chair, Making Strides participant and more. She has taken an active role in standing up against legislation that would have eradicated state mandates requiring insurance companies to pay for mammograms and other cancer screenings.

Evidence of her “won’t take no” attitude, Sgambato went so far as to join her local Parks and Recreation Commission to give Relay For Life a bigger voice and presence. And her dedication was truly visible as she and her husband renewed their vows at their community Relay.

            Sgambato invites members of the community, to join her in the fight against cancer. Start a team for the 2009 Relay For Life of Burrillville/Glocester, visit www.relayforlife.org/burrillvilleglocesterri  for additional information. Relay For Life of Burrillville/Glocester will take place June 26-27 from 6:00 p.m.- Noon. You can also join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), a national grassroots movement of people just like you – cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families and friends who are dedicated to changing laws and policies to help people fight cancer. To join visit www.acscan.org. The fight will not be won alone; your help is needed!

            “On behalf of the American Cancer Society, it is an honor to recognize all of our wonderful volunteers for the work they do to support the Society’s mission of saving lives through research, education, advocacy and service. Congratulations also to all of this year’s award recipients. Their dedication and tireless effort is making a tremendous impact across the state of Rhode Island,” said Jim Beardsworth, state director of communications.

Pictured from left to right: Peg Camp, COO American Cancer Society; American Cancer Society St. George National Award winner Sue Sgambato of Mapleville; and Andrew Prescott, Chair of the Society’s New England Division Board at the recent recognition night.

The American Cancer Society helps patients and their families with free information, support, and local resources.  Cancer information specialists are available by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help with diagnosis and treatment options, find rides to treatment, or answer insurance questions.  If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.