Volunteer Awards & Recognition
Komen Columbus Volunteers Get the Job Done
Without the power of its incredible volunteer force, Komen Columbus could never accomplish the milestones it does. With over 2,000 volunteers, their dedication and talents are second to none. Komen Columbus would like to spotlight the following volunteers who have gone above and beyond and were even recently nomintated for a national Komen award.
Tami Weis
After doctors diagnosed Tami Weis with breast cancer about two years ago, she promised her boss that “she wouldn’t turn into one of those pink ribbon women.”
That is until last fall, when Tami attended Komen Columbus’ Committed to the Cure event and immediately hopped on board. Since then, there hasn’t been a single Volunteer meeting without Tami. She has educated and recruited volunteers at Komen Columbus Volunteer Fairs and at several Health Fairs in Central Ohio, raised thousands of dollars on Passionately Pink for the Cure Day (even baked pink ribbon cookies for the 180 team members) and more.
Natalie Guagenti
Natalie Guagenti and her Care and Concern subcommittee helped create a Survivor Kit for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in early 2005.
She works with residents at senior centers, Girls Scouts, and women’s groups to sand and decorate the wooden boxes that are then filled with donated gifts for recipients to use in their battle with the disease. On the Komen website, individuals can request a Survivor Kit be sent to a Survivor in their name.
One kit recipient writes, "As a Survivor receiving of one of the boxes, you can't imagine how it touches your heart."
Komen Columbus Public Policy Committee
The seven or eight member Komen Columbus Public Policy Committee recognized a gap in Ohio’s current screening services (the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project runs at capacity each year and reaches less than 10 percent of all eligible women statewide), prompting them to advocate for a $5 million budget appropriation that was passed by the House and the Senate last summer.
The efforts of this committee will result in 9,000 more Ohio women being screened with mammograms than before, as well as expanded outreach. “We are proud that our efforts will nearly double the number of women screened each year, “states Tracy Intihar, Public Policy Committee Chair and Board member.
As if this isn’t enough, this committee has developed relationships with legislators and other influential supporters of breast health issues, created the first Komen Columbus Legislative Day with all Ohio Affiliates, built coalitions with the ACS and other Ohio Komen Affiliates; created the Komen Columbus Public Service Award; and assisted the growth of the Champions for the Cure program.
The Community Achievement Award, given to a community volunteer or community provider who has made an outstanding contribution to the Komen mission: to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.
2005 Recipient: Joanne Lester
Joanne Lester is a tireless and dedicated breast cancer advocate. Through the James Cancer Center, Joanne has been a true blessing to breast cancer patients -- answering any question and reassuring patients that they will make it through their diagnosis. Because of Joanne, breast cancer patients are given the hope that there will be better days ahead and the strength to move forward.
2004 Recipient: Miriam Lindsey
The recipient of this award is Miriam Lindsey. Miriam Lindsey has a long and well-established history of helping others and volunteering with many religious and community organizations. She has established and directed the “Check It Out” program through Hadassah. She has been honored by Temple Israel as “Woman of the Year” and won the Jefferson Award. She is a great role model, “who took lemons and made lemonade – and then shared it with everyone!” Columbus has been a beneficiary of her vision, hard work and caring.
2003 Recipient: Wanda Dillard
The first recipient of this award is Wanda Dillard. Wanda is a community activist, and, in 1997, was a co-founder of “All Women…One Cause”, a lay health advocate program that focuses on breast health awareness. Through this program Wanda has reached many women and has been successful in raising awareness related to breast health and mammography services. Wanda is truly working to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.
