Inspirational Stories

Michele Synder decided she wanted to volunteer with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) because she herself and millions of others have been impacted by cancer. Both of Michele’s parents passed away from cancer and during that time, a lot of people were there for them. She knows how important that was for her and her family. That support provided them with so much comfort and healing.  

Michele is a Patient & Family Outreach Volunteer and provides support and resources to newly diagnosed patients and their family members in her local area of Richmond, Virginia. Since her volunteering started last year, Michele has communicated with over 100 people. Not only providing them with the resources but providing them with a lending ear with empathy and support. She builds great relationships with patients and makes a lasting impression on them, so much that one of the patients she spoke with was a guest speaker on the Richmond Man & Woman of the Year Finale.

Michele volunteers to support patients and families who are going through the unthinkable. The LLS community of volunteers, including Michele, are a special and important part of the LLS mission. Small acts that are making a big impact.

Written by LLS Story Volunteer, Grace Oliva