Please note that some translations using Google Translate may not be accurately represented and downloaded documents cannot be translated. Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund assume no liability for inaccuracies that may result from using this third-party tool, which is for website translation.
Meet Jimmy Fund Volunteer Chris Lopez
Chris Lopez (center) volunteering at the 2015 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Pasta Party.Each year, volunteers of all ages contribute more than 33,222 hours to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund, making an important difference in the lives of cancer patients.
For an inside look at what it is like to be a Jimmy Fund volunteer we interviewed Chris Lopez, who has volunteered with the Jimmy Fund for nearly 10 years:
How did you become a Jimmy Fund volunteer?
I wanted to support Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund because it is a great cause—raising money for cancer care and research. I was looking for volunteer experience and saw a sign on the Green Monster at Fenway Park promoting the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon presented by Arbella Insurance Foundation. I went to the Jimmy Fund website to find more information and signed up for canister collections at the event.
After that, I wanted to keep volunteering. Over the past 10 years, I have volunteered at a number of Jimmy Fund events including the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl® presented by Valvoline Instant Oil Change, and the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai.
What is your favorite event?
My favorite event is the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. You get to hear stories of the patients, doctors, nurses, researchers and local celebrities who all want to join in to help the cause. Yes, they lead busy lives, but they want to help.
As a volunteer, there are so many ways to get involved including selling merchandise, counting canister money, and answering the phones. The best part is, the event is at Fenway Park.
Chris at the 2014 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon during his most memorable moment as a Jimmy Fund volunteer.What is one of your most memorable experiences from volunteering?
At the 2014 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, there was young pediatric patient named Emma there with her family. After her interview, I asked Emma and her sister if they would like to change numbers on the tote board. They were so excited. It meant so much to me to be able to give her the chance to forget that she had cancer if only for a minute.
Why would you encourage someone to volunteer and support the Jimmy Fund?
When you volunteer for the Jimmy Fund, you are guaranteed to meet wonderful people. They are all there for the same reason: to see a world without cancer. All of your work helps the doctors, scientists, and researchers advance Dana-Farber’s mission to conquer cancer.
There is an event for everyone. There is something for the sports fan, for someone who likes to dance, and for people who love ice cream. There is pretty much an event for everything.
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, the Jimmy Fund would like to thank each and every one of our dedicated volunteers. Without you, our events would not be what they are today. Your commitment to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund is an inspiration to everyone. Learn more about how to become a volunteer at Jimmy Fund events.
Monica DeGuglielmo
Associate Director, Development Communications
