The power of a great conversation

Five members of my family have gone through cancer, so I know how hard it can be and how much people need help. I joined Cancer Council NSW to help families through one of the hardest times of their lives.

You probably won’t read to the end of this article. With smartphones and streaming, our attention spans are getting shorter. That’s why we have a team dedicated to starting meaningful conversations and raising funds and awareness for people affected by cancer. We spoke with Sam to find out what it’s like to be a face-to-face fundraiser for Cancer Council NSW.

What is your favourite part of the job?

I’ve been working as a fundraiser with Cancer Council NSW for four years now. I love meeting new people every day and hearing their stories. The best conversations are the ones where I give people hope about the future.

Are there any conversations that stand out?

Oh, there have been a fair few. I recently spoke with a lady whose sister passed away from cancer a few years ago. Her sister was her best friend, so she misses her like crazy. But, in her family, she took on the role of being the ‘strong one’. So, she was sharing her story with me, telling me about growing up with her sister, their bond, her cancer journey when she broke down.

Being able to just be there for her was so meaningful for me – for both of us. After over an hour talking, she gave me a hug and said she really needed that after all these years. She told me she’s so grateful for the work that we do at Cancer Council NSW.

What motivates you to work for Cancer Council NSW?

To put it simply, cancer sucks! The sooner we can kick cancer in the butt, the better. I’ve seen the practical support that Cancer Council NSW gives to families, things like counselling over the phone and helping people get to treatment – essential things.

Besides that, I love working in this team because it’s fun and everyone is so giving and supportive. I’m a people person and I love talking to people.

As an independent charity, we rely on the generosity of the community to continue our lifesaving work in cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support. Our amazing face-to-face and door-to-door fundraisers play a major part in this, spreading the word and encouraging people to get behind our cause.

If you’d like to make a difference, please consider donating today.