Rena Lull: Bassett Cancer Institute Volunteer

“I started volunteering at Bassett’s Cancer Center in 2001 after I retired from Cooperstown Central School as an elementary school teacher. At the time I started volunteering, there were three volunteers in the Cancer Center. I continued volunteering right up until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

After a year of not volunteering, I returned to the Cancer Center at the end of 2020. Because of the year off, some volunteers did not return. I became the only volunteer in the Cancer Center. I continue to this day, serving five days per week for two hours (which averages about 10 hours per week and 480 hours per year).

My duties as a volunteer in the Cancer Center include ordering and stocking the waiting room with beverages and snacks for patients, family members, and friends; ordering snacks and sandwiches in the treatment room; making sure blankets are always in the warming oven ready to comfort someone; checking on patients in treatments to make sure they are comfortable and serve them beverages; and spending time with patients and families.

In early January 2024, I was given a card by an anonymous patient. The card sums up why I volunteer and the reason we have volunteers at Bassett. This is for all Bassett volunteers:"

"You are such a blessing;
You inspire me because;
Your warmth and kindness make a huge, positive difference in such an emotional challenging time;
Thank you for all you do."