As we close out 2023, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to the lifeblood of our organization – our dedicated volunteers. Without their selfless contributions, passion, and tireless efforts, our mission to support families with children battling cancer at Here to Serve would be but a distant dream. While we are immensely grateful to each and every volunteer, we want to shine a spotlight on three extraordinary individuals whose unwavering, long-standing commitment fuels our organization. Their stories are a testament to the immeasurable impact that individuals can have when they are united in uplifting and supporting our community. 

The Backbone of Our Cause: A Message of Appreciation from Our Founder Katie Quintas

Here to Serve would not be able to positively impact so many families navigating cancer without our incredible volunteers. We have been blessed with over 2,000 volunteers in our care communities and more than 100 volunteers helping with our operations, including areas like website development, social media, blogging, graphic design, annual event coordination, finance and accounting, public relations, technology, marketing, program development, care coordinators, office computer support, fundraising, and administration.

We have so many volunteers who have been with us for years who understand the importance of our work and have dedicated untold hours to Here to Serve and our families. Some have experienced our services personally, others have been a part of providing those services. All are integral to the success we have in bringing families through the unthinkable cancer journey and treatment.

Nurturing the Future: Valerie Radford Cox (Team Leader for Social Media and Blogs)

Valerie met Katie Quintas (Founder of Here to Serve) through Taproot Plus, and the two had an immediate synergy. Her experience working with nonprofits and education in childhood cancer – how prevalent and painful it is, the lack of resources, and the effect on families – inspired her to volunteer with Here to Serve. As someone with a background in writing, helping with the organization’s communications was a natural fit. Valerie has led our social media and blog efforts, ensuring that more people know about Here to Serve and better understand the intricacies of pediatric cancer.

“Working with the Social Media Team of Here to Serve has been a true pleasure. The team is a group of dedicated bloggers, social media mavens, and IT technicians that are scattered across the country. Without fail we met every Wednesday at 12 noon in our virtual meeting space. Thus, while serving the pediatric cancer community we were also our own little community.” – Valerie Radford Cox

Outside of our organization, Valerie has built her own business inspired by the stories from her international living: Story Coats. These luxury garments (using upcycled or mill end remnants) are embroidered with images that support the stories and have been featured at the Smithsonian Museum Craft Festival. With the growing success of her business, Valerie will be stepping back to focus solely on her craft and will be greatly missed. We are incredibly grateful for the support she’s given to Here To Serve and wish her the best as she continues on her artistic adventure, which you can learn more about here: www.vervetnoir.com

“I have faith Here to Serve will continue to grow and support even more families as they go through their challenging cancer journeys. Thank you, Katie, and all my friends at Here to Serve, for allowing me to serve with you” – Valerie

The Silent Architect of Change: Christian Lee (Web Developer)

Christian found Here to Serve and resonated with our organization’s mission, submitting an application to volunteer. He heard back almost immediately from Katie and, within a week, he was immersed in Here to Serve’s digital ecosystem, managing the website and spearheading fundraising campaigns. From that point onward, his journey with Here to Serve became a dynamic collaboration, marked by a shared commitment to helping our community. Christian is the driving force in helping us ensure that our site provides access to information and services to families in need, as well as supports raising funds for the incredibly important work we do. His dedication and skillset have been absolutely critical to getting to where we are today as an organization, and we are so grateful for his support.

“From the behind-the-scenes work to the direct family interactions, our efforts uplift the lives of those affected by pediatric cancer, showcasing the collective strength of community-driven initiatives in the midst of challenges”. – Christian Lee 

Creativity in Action: Krista Jacobsen and Dana Moline (H2S Veterans and Desert Bosses)

“Over 7 years ago our 1st grandchild Harper was diagnosed with AML Leukemia at 10 months. Here to Serve came to our rescue with meals, house cleaning, gift cards for food and gas, and even doing the family laundry. Having them come alongside us through this dark journey.

It was such a relief.  We felt loved and cared for.” – Dana Moline

Krista Jacobsen and Dana Moline know the importance of supporting families with children going through cancer from personal experience. After their family’s journey, they would always attend the Here to Serve annual fundraising event, our Fundraiser charity auction, but wanted to do more. While they didn’t have time to volunteer, they realized they could supply desserts for the annual charity auction. Krista had just started Krista’s kitchen, an at-home baking business and Dana loved baking, so it was a perfect fit. They now provide all of the deserts for our charity auction every year, which are absolutely delicious.

Their grandchild Harper is now seven years old, and Here to Serve was able to support her family through their journey with all their home needs as they took Harper through treatment. They are an exceptional example of how we as a community come together to make the most amazing difference in the lives of those around us. We are so grateful for their continued generosity and support of Here to Serve, which has helped us fundraise and provide support to more families in need.

The Power of Unity: Celebrating All Volunteers

Volunteers are a collective power, we acknowledge and appreciate their kindness and contributions to the overall success of our organization. In the face of challenges, volunteers stand resilient, demonstrating that the strength of a community lies in its ability to unite for a greater purpose. Volunteers embody the spirit of altruism and their efforts can create a ripple effect of positivity that reaches far beyond our organization.

We want to extend our thanks to every individual who has shared their time and talents with us. Their collective efforts form the backbone of our organization, fostering a culture of giving that not only benefits those we serve but also leaves an enduring legacy of compassion and empathy.

Thank you once again to our amazing volunteers. Together, we continue to make a difference, one selfless act at a time.

Here to Serve: A Beacon of Support in the Cancer Journey

Here to Serve continues to be a home for hope and support for families with children going through cancer. We are on a mission to ease the challenges families face when a child or young parent battles cancer. From diagnosis to recovery, we provide comprehensive care, offering physical, financial, and emotional support all in one place. Our focus is on families who often don’t qualify for traditional aid, ensuring that no one faces this journey alone.

Inspired by the courage of individuals like Silvio Quintas, Bryan Quintas, Phil Carlson, and Paul Alindog, we’re driven to make a difference. If your child has recently been diagnosed with cancer, or you as a young parent are navigating a cancer journey, Here to Serve is here for you. Together, we navigate the challenges and remove burdens that allow you to focus on what matters most, caring for your loved ones.

Author: Gianna Potella

Gianna Potella is a passionate public relations professional with a fervent commitment to making a difference in the world. Her journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children whose parents and guardians have battled cancer, as well as her personal experiences supporting loved ones in their fight against the disease. With a heart dedicated to helping others, Gianna is driven to make a meaningful difference.

Information on the Here to Serve website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for specific medical guidance.