Melinda's volunteering story
Melinda shares her experience of volunteering.
In 2019, I was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and found the Lymphoma Action Closed Facebook Support Group and charity’s helpline, which were a huge help for me along my journey. Whenever I had a question, or just needed a moan, someone was always there to listen. When I finished my treatment and was in remission, I didn’t hesitate to become a volunteer.
I wanted to be a voice for Lymphoma Action, to further the reach of this amazing charity’s work, and to help ensure that nobody faces lymphoma alone. That’s why I chose Community Volunteering as my first role to help raise awareness. Then, after attending the online support meetings, I was interested in becoming a facilitator myself, because I know how important it is to have someone there to listen.
I love everything about volunteering! To know that I am helping others feel they are not alone and that they can openly speak about their experience is wonderful. It’s hard to put into words how much the work volunteers do means to people affected by lymphoma. My aim is to improve and develop my skills and take on other volunteering roles with the charity in the future.
If you’re thinking of volunteering with Lymphoma Action, I would encourage you to do it. Belonging to the Lymphoma Action team has meant so much to me.