Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Fay

Julie Fay and her husband Joel Fay

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re happy to share stories and insights from some of our volunteers across the country. Julie Fay is a member of our Event Committee in Nashville and can be found at nearly every CARES event in Nashville. For Scott Hamilton & Friends, Julie takes time off of work to pitch in during the day at the CARES office .

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

Not long after moving to Nashville in 2016, I was invited to a luncheon for the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation.  I had no idea who the person was that invited me was, but since I was new to the area, I thought I would go and find out.  It turns out it was a sponsorship luncheon, and Scott spoke about CARES’ signature event, Scott Hamilton & Friends.  I didn’t recognize a soul there, but I was moved by what he said. I don’t know if it was what Scott said or the fact that within that year, I had lost my brother to liver cancer and his wife to breast cancer, or it was a God thing. Or maybe it was a combination of all three.

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

Scott wrote a children’s book, Fritzy Finds a Hat: A Gentle Tale to Help Talk with Children About Cancer.  My best friend in Colorado was so enamored by Scott and Brad Paisley.  So, when she was diagnosed with ocular cancer that had metastasized in other parts of her body, the only thing I could think to do was have Scott sign a book, and I sent it to her.  She kept it by her side until she died and wanted to make sure it was passed on to her grandchildren.  That still chokes me up when I think about it.

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

Every time I hear Scott speak about CARES or Karri shares the cancer research that has been funded, I feel that I have helped, even if in the smallest way. It’s a gift to know that someday others won’t have to experience the same thing I went through in losing so many loved ones.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with CARES?

Do it! Not only for you and the ones you love, but for the countless others who want more time with their friends and loved ones.  You never know who you will impact.

Julie Fay volunteering at the CARES office

Julie Fay with Scott Hamilton