Dear Editor:

Cancer is a disease that takes too much - one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with this disease. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to saving lives by helping people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. However, we could not accomplish this work without the 3 million volunteers nationwide who give their time to help further our missions and assist us with our various programs and services. This, in celebration of the 37th annual National Volunteer Week (April 18 to April 24), we would like to honor and recognize the incredible volunteers who are making a difference in the fight against cancer in our community each and every day.As the nation's largest nonprofit voluntary health organization, we are truly a grass-roots organization with 600 local volunteers to every one staff member. These devoted citizens raise funds through various events such as Relay For Life and Daffodil Days and fight for life-saving laws through The Society's advocacy affiliate, The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. They also provide rides for patients, give makeovers to women undergoing treatment and mentor newly diagnosed patients. Their passion and commitment is absolutely inspiring.So to all of our local volunteers, I would like to personally offer a sincere, heartfelt thank you on behalf of everyone at the American Cancer Society. We deeply appreciate your time, your dedication and your tireless efforts in helping to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.Sincerely,Jo-Anne Sessa, RNRegional Vice President,East Region AmericanCancer Society