April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re happy to share stories and insights from some of our volunteers across the country. Maria Brown is a former National Competitor in Ice Dance and CARES Intern. After completing her Bachelor’s from Belmont University in Music Business and Marketing, she stayed in Nashville to work in PR and was a Founding Member of CARES Emerging Leaders Board. Maria is leaving Nashville to start Law School this fall, but she will continue to volunteer with CARES remotely and in person.

*Maria (center) with CARES National Outreach Managers Brielle Francis (left) and Kim Brack Volante (right)*

What inspired you to start volunteering with CARES? Is there a personal connection to cancer that makes our mission especially meaningful for you?

I learned about CARES through Kim (Volante) and from attending the Scott Hamilton & Friends show in Cleveland when I was growing up as a figure skater. I was inspired by the CARES mission because before I was born, my grandma passed away from lung cancer. I have seen first-hand the impact that cancer has on not only the patient, but also their family. When I moved to Nashville, Kim reached out, and the rest is history - I started as an intern, and now they can't get rid of me!

Can you share a moment or an experience from your time with CARES that stands out?

There are so many. I think the biggest one for me is the first time I worked backstage at Bridgestone (Arena) and helped with the show portion of Scott Hamilton & Friends. It was so much fun to see how everything comes together and how the show's put on. Growing up attending the show, I never thought about everything that goes into putting on such a large event and ice show! In addition, it is fun for me to catch up with the skaters- I think that's such an important part of skating as a community that people don't understand. We have such a tight-knit community, and it's so nice to interact with those people and see them every year.

*Maria with CARES Founder Scott Hamilton*

Has your involvement with the foundation changed how you look at Cancer Research? What does it feel like knowing you're helping power life-saving breakthroughs?

It's definitely changed how I look at cancer research! I think cancer is always a scary thing - you just hear that word, and it has a lot of negative connotations. But in my time with CARES, I've learned that there is hope going forward and that we can help people with cancer. That help starts not just with treatment, but their attitude toward cancer.

I mean, look at Scott. Scott has always been one of the strongest people I know. From looking up to him as a young figure skater, to having the chance to interact and work with him, it's so inspiring to see the strength that he has. He's had this illness multiple times, and he's remained positive through it. I think that's the most important thing. We're trying to make sure that cancer patients not only get the treatment they need, but also that they have a positive attitude and hope going into treatment - that they know cancer is something that they can overcome. Cancer doesn't have to define the rest of their lives.

What would you tell someone who's thinking about volunteering with CARES?
If you're thinking of volunteering with CARES, first of all, we would love to have you! It is one of the best organizations you can volunteer for, and I'm saying that not just as a former intern, but also as a current volunteer and an Emerging Leaders Board Member! It's really important where you choose to volunteer because you want to know that you're making a difference and you can impact the mission of the nonprofit. Volunteering for CARES gives you that opportunity and lets you work with a team that will continually inspire you.

Volunteer Spotlight: Maria Brown

Volunteer Spotlight: Juliette Zielinski