Kathy’s journey with City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta is a testament to the power of compassion and community. A native Georgian, Kathy’s background is steeped in service to her community. She loves building strong bonds with her neighbors, organizing events and lending a hand at local shelters. Her genuine care for others and unwavering commitment to service have long defined her, but it was her volunteer experience at City of Hope that brought her story full circle.
In 2020, Kathy was diagnosed with cancer and sought care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, now part of City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. Today, Kathy continues her follow-up care at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta where her daughter Beth, a registered nurse, works as a nursing supervisor for pain management in the Cardiology and Continuity of Care Departments.
What stands out most to Kathy about her journey is the care and compassion she has experienced — not only for herself, but for every patient who walks through the doors. “The care and compassion I experience at City of Hope is amazing,” Kathy shares. “And I see it for all their patients.”
Inspired to Serve: Kathy’s Leap into Volunteering
It’s the compassion she’s seen at City of Hope that inspired Kathy to leap into volunteering. For nearly a year, Kathy has served as a City of Hope volunteer. She’s done everything from offering behind-the-scenes support in the mailroom to serving in a hospitality role in the infusion area — offering a warm smile, a listening ear and steady encouragement to patients receiving treatment. Her transition to volunteering has been a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to lifting those around her.
Despite her self-proclaimed introversion, she has found it easy to connect with patients and has focused on the small gestures. “Sometimes just having someone stop and see you is all they need,” she shared. One moment stands out: a patient once told her they schedule their appointments for Tuesday mornings specifically so they can spend time together. “I guess it’s the grandmother in me,” Kathy shared.
Our Journey of Hope: Creating Meaningful Connections
Building on her dedication, Kathy joined the Our Journey of Hope® program at City of Hope, a volunteer initiative and nondenominational training that teaches faith leaders how to better support patients and their families throughout their treatment journeys. Kathy has gone on to train 12 additional members of her parish, helping to launch a cancer support ministry at her church. Parishioners regularly send cards of encouragement, handmade mug-rugs and other thoughtful items to share with City of Hope patients — focusing on the small but meaningful reminders that an entire community stands behind them.
Through Our Journey of Hope, Kathy has helped patients discover their own strength and sense of belonging within the City of Hope community.
Encouraging Others to Help
For Kathy, the word “hope” has special meaning. “Hope is something every one of us should have, no matter what we are living with,” she reflects. “Cancer does not define us, nor does it limit us from living a good life. Maybe a different life than we imagined, but it can still be a good life.”
She sees hope radiating throughout City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta — in the doctors, nurses, technicians and staff who care for patients each day. Most importantly, she sees it in the patients themselves as they rediscover strength and possibility, often with the help of volunteers like herself.
Now, Kathy encourages others to consider volunteering. “Many people want to help — they just need to be asked. Everyone has something to offer to another.” Her words reflect her deep belief in the collective power of community and her desire to inspire others to join her in making a difference.
National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month. For more than 110 years, volunteers like Kathy have powered City of Hope's progress. Today, 25,000 volunteers across five regional locations — Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, Chicago and Atlanta — keep hope alive and advance the mission across the nation.