ACS CAN highlights Tracy Steuckrath for July Volunteer Spotlight
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shared a post on LinkedIn:
“For our July Volunteer Spotlight, we’re highlighting Tracy Steuckrath, Ambassador Constituent Lead for ACS CAN California! Tracy has been a volunteer with ACS CAN since she was a staff partner with the American Cancer Society in the early 2000s. ‘My mother is a breast cancer survivor, so I had a family stake in the battle from the start. I would go to Relay For Life events to recruit ACS CAN members and teach other cancer fighters another way to use their voices.’
‘I love being a part of the ACS CAN California team because I have found a community whose goal is to end cancer as we know it.’ Tracy feels the organization has made a commitment to the inclusion of all people because cancer doesn’t discriminate. ‘The volunteer base includes survivors, caregivers, and the families of those touched by cancer, and as an activist, I know my voice is heard.’
Tracy was recently selected to attend an ACS CAN training on using inclusion to form strong grassroots support among underrepresented groups. ‘We learned so much in two days. It was the best training I have ever attended, and I have been to many! Meeting and connecting with volunteers from other states is always fantastic as well.’
‘As someone living with bipolar disorder and working as a caregiver, it sometimes can be challenging to balance my symptoms while continuing to care for others,’ she says. ‘Having a non-apparent disability makes it even more difficult, as I have to decide whether to explain what is happening to me when I have to isolate from people to protect my mental health.’
Many cancer patients and survivors often experience disabilities due to the effects of the disease and its treatment. Tracy wants to raise awareness of this as well as the experience of disabled people, regardless of their cancer status. ‘I hope that during Disability Pride Month, people will lead with compassion and recognize those around them who live differently than they do. If we learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic and from continuing to work toward a cancer-free future, it’s that we cannot take our health for granted, ever. I hope it’s also an opportunity to learn about becoming an ally for disabled folks in your community.’ ”
Source: ACS CAN/LinkedIn
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