Inspirational Stories

Denisse Cervantes is a pre-med student studying neuroscience, in her senior year at the University of Texas in El Paso. She is studying to be a doctor, specifically in the field of pediatrics. She was looking for volunteer roles that would give her the opportunity to make a difference in her community. First, she checked the local hospitals for opportunities that would allow her to volunteer with patients, but then the pandemic happened, and in-person volunteering was suspended. She found The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Patient & Family Outreach volunteer role online and thought it sounded like a good way to connect and support patients.

In her role, Denisse calls patients and their family members and guides them through resources available from LLS. In El Paso, 70% of the residents speak Spanish. Since Denisse’s first language is Spanish, she can connect with El Paso residents and let them know that LLS is here to help and that resources are available to them in Spanish.

“On my first call, I spoke with a woman who was recently diagnosed. She wasn’t prepared for the diagnosis and she started crying. Even though I couldn’t be next to her, it made me feel good that I could comfort her and provide emotional support. I was able to calm her and help her over the phone,” said Denisse.

In addition to volunteering, Denisse balances school and a full-time job, which can be a challenge. Denisse said volunteering is important.  

“I’m grateful to be able to volunteer one on one with patients. I think part of being a doctor means being involved in your community, outside of the hospital.”

If you are interested in volunteering with LLS, visit lls.org/volunteers.