Benefits of volunteering or supporting cancer programs

The Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) works hard to support its patients and families. SCI is a nonprofit and relies on volunteers and donations to keep the doors open. At the end of 2016 Swedish had about 1,220 volunteers. About 85% of its donations came from individual donors. The generosity of the community allows SCI to provide extraordinary care to every individual that comes through the door. 

There are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer or donate financially. Donations of time and resources allow SCI to care for its patients through their entire experience. Cancer survivors who support SCI say they get a feeling of closure after donating or volunteering. 

There are several ways to get involved in volunteering. You can help at SCI hosted events such as cancer runs and walks. There are also opportunities to volunteer within the cancer institute. Volunteering offers different rewards for everyone. Many volunteers say sharing their time makes them feel good and helps them build new friendships. 

If you are unable to volunteer you could also donate financially. The main focuses of the philanthropy department include patient education, patient experience, cancer research and patient assistance.

Programs supported by donations*

Living Well Classes 

Free classes are offered to patients, family members and the community. These classes offer an additional level of support before, during and after treatment. 

Michelle Sloan Family Kitchen 

The family of Michelle Sloan donated a kitchen to the First Hill treatment center. The kitchen provides patients and families access to nutritious meals and snacks. It also serves as a space for them to gather and connect with one another. 

Patient Assistance Program 

The patient assistance program offers support to patients in need of additional financial support. At Swedish, it is a firm belief that patients shouldn’t have to choose between paying for treatment and paying for their living necessities.

True Family Women’s Cancer Center 

The True Center treats women with cancer and works to give them every possible advantage. This center provides emotional support to women and their families. 

Get involved

To learn more about our philanthropy department, please call 206-386-2738. 
If you are interested in volunteering, click here. 

* SCI provide some internal funds for these programs; however, they are mainly funded through donations.

This article is from the Spring/Summer 2018 issue of Life to the Fullest, the newsletter from the Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) dedicated to those with cancer, cancer survivors, and their family members and caregivers.