I walk into the facility and realize instantly that it is a very busy day. Almost every chair is filled in all three pods. There are boxes and boxes of medical supplies that need to be unpackaged and sorted for the nurses, the coffee is empty, and people all around the room are in need of blankets. The waiting room, offices, and chemo room are all filled with people, and there is so much to be done. Everyday the center is in need of helping hands and so are thousands of other organizations around the world. When I began volunteering at the Florida Cancer Research Specialists Foundation a few months ago, I learned the very real truth about cancer patients.
First hand, I see how sick these patients are feeling and I gained the opportunity to help them and try to make them feel better for the few hours I spend with them. When I started volunteering at the center, I realized that more often than not, people either ignore or simply don’t realize due to the fact that we get so wrapped up consumed by our own life and problems, that we are fortunate and how not everyone is as lucky as we are.
All around us are people are struggling. There are people who are sick, hungry, abused, lonely, and scared. There are people without internet, a car, a home, a family, food, and good health. Everyday we wake up, we have the opportunity to help these people! Volunteering can make such impact in someone else’s life. Sparing a few hours and putting some time aside to help those who is less fortunate then ourselves is something we should all do!
This past semester, I have reached out to others and started a club here at FGCU. It is called Students, Service, and Sunshine because that is simply what it is. Students spreading sunshine through community service! I have encouraged so many others to join the organization and start to make a difference right along side me. We are going to help animals, children, the poor, the weak, and the hurt and I encourage everyone reading this to do the same. It is amazing how much you can learn about yourself while you are focusing on others. The experience can be so humbling and fulfilling. You will be helping so many others and maybe even yourself a little bit as well!
