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Janell Gilmore, Recipient of the Dorothy S. O’Brien Volunteer Award

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Janell Gilmore, Recipient of the Dorothy S. O’Brien Volunteer Award

The 2020 Dorothy S. O’Brien Award is awarded to Cancer Lifeline Volunteer Janell Gilmore.  This award was established in 1990 by an anonymous donor as a tribute to Dorothy and her belief in the importance of self-determination and empowerment.

Janell comes into the Center, week after week, with a smile on her face and a determination to touch the lives of those affected by cancer. She meets every client with patience, compassion, and understanding and that is so valuable to those calling our lifeline, whether they are simply registering for a class or calling for support.

And she’s a snappy dresser!

Janell joined the ranks of Lifeline volunteers after completing the training in September 2018. In no time at all, she signed up for a regular shift on the phones and is now a weekly Lifeline volunteer.

“I found out about Cancer Lifeline through a catalog in the oncology department at EvergreenHealth. There was a presentation at Northwest Hospital that I was interested in, so I attended.  I was very impressed by Basha Brownstein, Community Program Manager for Cancer Lifeline, who facilitated that presentation,” says Janell.

“I was looking for a volunteer opportunity.  One day, I took a field trip over to Cancer Lifeline and rang the doorbell.  Basha answered, and gave me a tour.  I wanted to be like her—making a difference.   As one whose life has been changed by cancer in ways that I never wanted, I wanted to be able to help others whose lives have also been altered.

“The best part about making and answering calls for me is that it’s an indirect way for me to fight back against cancer, by touching the lives of others who have been affected by it.”

Learn more about volunteering opportunities at Cancer Lifeline.