We as PanCAN volunteers experience this quote all too well. As the spring season turns into summer, we are celebrating the completion of a successful PanCAN PurpleStride season and now turn to continued advocacy efforts. In our own lives we go through seasons. Our own journey with the impact of pancreatic cancer on our lives has us experience various types of seasons. If you think about it, this quote really speaks to the core of the human experience.

One of the attributes of PanCAN that I appreciate is their understanding of the seasons. For example, their ability to offer support to patients and families at every step of the pancreatic cancer journey is a hallmark to everyone in the community. But also, the variety of ways volunteers can make an impact showcases this understanding of seasons. Let me share an example:

For the past several months, I have had some personal “seasons” (all good things) where I needed to step back and reflect. This did not change my passion for PanCAN or my wanting to partner to continue to make an impact, but I had a season of transition. Looking back on this time, this season was good. I was able to focus on what needed my attention. I was able to recharge my volunteer battery. And PanCAN, through the various levels of volunteer opportunities, allowed me the space to still move the mission forward through items like coordinating advocacy efforts, providing feedback about gaming streaming fundraisers, and continued PurpleStride fundraising/awareness (even though I was going to be participating from afar versus with my local community). Because of this, I am looking forward to what the new season ahead has in store for me.

To close, I would like to share what I hope will be helpful points to consider as your seasons go by:

1. The importance of self-care: Many years ago, I was asked; “If you do not take care of yourself; how can you fully serve others?” I was given this advice during a period of burnout in my life.  Since then, I have tried to remind myself of this and probably have shared this quote with many of you. With a continuously growing organization like PanCAN fighting a large battle like pancreatic cancer, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of taking good care of yourself. If this note does nothing else, I hope you will take some time for yourself.
2. Community: A mantra of my life is a quote by Desmond Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Our efforts as the PanCAN community are living proof of this. Each person doing their bit of good makes an impact. One fundraiser, one affiliate action, one call to Congress, one connection to PanCAN Patient Services, one research study funded…any effort, big or small, brings us closer to our ultimate goal. Which leads to my next point…
3. Communication and trust: PanCAN provides community through volunteers and through staff partners. Those relationships are vital to accomplishing our goals. It is important to build those partners around us so when seasons do change, we have support but also, we are able to discuss how we can continue to make an impact, even if it is in a different capacity and for a finite time. And when those volunteer batteries are running low, we feel comfortable to share that and know we are understood and supported. So, continue to develop as a team so that everyone (including yourself) can be supported through any season that comes.
4. PanCAN provides a multitude of options: There are always opportunities for mission-driven service with PanCAN. Whatever the capacity and/or talent, you can drive the mission forward. We say that to new volunteers or at recruiting events, but I want to speak this to the veteran volunteers as well: Your passion and impact can be felt on this disease in so many different ways. And PanCAN has provided opportunities to do that, no matter what season you may be in. Learn about those opportunities so you can share with others but also you may need those someday for yourself. And if you are not sure what those may be or how you see yourself in the picture of PanCAN impact, please reach out to myself or any of the Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) members. It would be a pleasure to meet and discuss how we can all move the mission forward through any season you may be going through.