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When my parents were undergoing cancer treatment in the 1980s and early 2000s, I didn¡¯t know how to help them cope with their diagnoses. I was so overwhelmed with the medical aspects of their treatment that it never occurred to me that I should be also focusing on the little things that could make life easier for them.

So six years ago, I decided to volunteer as a tribute to them. I applied to volunteer at MD Anderson because I knew they treated cancer. I had no idea that I was going to become part of such an extensive support system for patients and caregivers.

Joining MD Anderson as a volunteer

During orientation, I learned all the different ways MD Anderson can help patients beyond treatment: the educational pamphlets in waiting areas and The Learning Center, the Integrative Medicine Center, the social work counselors and the support groups, to name a few.

And then of course there¡¯s us, the volunteers. Before I donned my blue jacket, I thought volunteers only fielded phone calls and sat behind welcome desks. I didn¡¯t realize that at MD Anderson, they also visit patients in the hospital, serve beverages and snacks, offer complimentary scarves to patients and much more.

When I volunteered at the Endoscopy Center in MD Anderson¡¯s Main Building, I helped prepare exam rooms and provided support to staff as needed. Even though I didn¡¯t work directly with patients, my responsibilities allowed nurses to spend more time with them.

Now I volunteer twice a week at the MD Anderson location near my home -- MD Anderson League City. The move not only shortened my commute to just 10 minutes, but it¡¯s also allowed me to interact with patients.

Understanding the big impact of small gestures

Because MD Anderson League City is much smaller than the Texas Medical Center Campus, I frequently see the same patients every week and engage them in conversation. They seem to appreciate having someone take their mind off treatment, if only for a moment. And watching their courage as they fight cancer inspires me.

Volunteering has helped me realize that it doesn¡¯t take a lot of effort to make a difference in a cancer patient¡¯s life. Something as simple as offering a hot cup of coffee, a cold cup of water or a warm blanket can be enough to remind patients that they¡¯re not facing this fight alone. Even if our only interaction is an exchanged smile, I feel I¡¯ve accomplished something that day.

With every volunteer shift, I hope that my efforts bring each patient I encounter some peace of mind. I wish I¡¯d been able to do more of this for my parents when they were undergoing cancer treatment, but I know they¡¯d be proud that I¡¯m doing it now for others who need that same support.

Editor's note: This blog post was updated in August 2019 to reflect the new name of MD Anderson's League City location.

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