April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re happy to share stories and insights from some of our volunteers across the country. Andy Cappiello has volunteered with CARES since our first event in Lake Placid, New York in January of 2020. A part of the IT Team at Adirondack Health, Andy has become an essential part of our planning and host committee for Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer® in Lake Placid, personally raising over $14,000 for cancer research and serving as our “boots on the ground,” spreading the word and inviting community members and friends to join our events.

*Andy (in orange) with his wife, daughter, and CARES National Outreach Manager Kim Volante (right) at Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer® Lake Placid in 2026*

What inspired you to volunteer with CARES? Do you have a personal connection to cancer that makes CARES meaningful to you?

At the time, I was not familiar with the CARES Foundation, but I was asked by my director if I would be interested in volunteering and representing our organization as we co-hosted a Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer® event with the CARES Foundation. He knew I liked to skate. I was happy to oblige, knowing that I was providing a service for our hospital and at the same time helping with cancer research.

I have lost family, friends, teachers, and co-workers to this horrible disease. I also have many friends who are survivors and others who are currently battling cancer. I think that almost everyone today has been impacted by cancer one way or another.

Can you share a memorable experience, event, or moment from your time volunteering?

I have so many wonderful memories, and each year I continue to add more to my list.

This event is a personal and family experience to me. Both my wife and daughter are fully committed to participating and volunteering to help during the event. Sharing my passion for this event with my family is amazing.

Meeting Scott Hamilton that very first year and seeing him skating around the Olympic Oval in Lake Placid with my daughter, who was 8 at the time, is something I will remember forever.

The bond that developed within our core team in Lake Placid and with all of the wonderful CARES team members is incredible. We are family and we are all working for the same goal.

*Andy’s wife and daughter skating with Scott Hamilton at our first Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer® Lake Placid event in January of 2020*

How has being involved with our foundation changed your perspective on cancer research? How do you feel knowing you’re supporting life-saving research?

Learning Scott’s story and hearing about his mom and the reason he created the CARES foundation was a very moving event for me. It made me that much more committed to being a part of this cause.

Every dollar helps, no matter how big or small the donation is. Each lap around the ice represents hope for better care and a cure. Knowing that what we are doing is making a difference in someone else’s life is what it is all about.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with CARES?

Don’t even think twice about it, sign up as soon as you can! I guarantee that you will not regret it.

Volunteer Spotlight: Andy Cappiello

Volunteer Spotlight: Harold Bjanes