Cancer care support is a labor of love at Ohio State, where volunteers are a vital part of patients’ personalized treatment. “We’re fortunate to have so many individuals share their time and help our patients, staff and families,” says Kathleen Kiene, the administrative associate director of system-wide volunteer services at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). Kiene recruits, trains and mentors approximately 300 volunteers. volunteers, whose ranks include a large number of former patients. “I just want to make people feel hopeful, because there really is so much hope here,” says volunteer Laura Schoettmer, who in remission after lymphoma treatment. Click here to learn how you can support cancer care as a volunteer at the OSUCCC – James. Hospital and clinic volunteers contribute to care in several important ways, including interacting and helping patients while they receive chemotherapy, escorting them around the facilities, serving as waiting room ambassadors and much more. In addition to cancer survivors, many Ohio State students and members of the larger central Ohio community provide needed assistance to patients, who can be overwhelmed by the adjustments required after cancer diagnoses. “I've talked to patients from Kentucky and Maryland who were pretty anxious and nervous walking in that door,” Kiene says. “It was comforting to have friendly faces saying, ‘Hi, how can I help you?’” Kiene works hand-in-hand with volunteers to connect them with roles and shifts that fit their schedules and interests. “In our Restful Nights program, volunteers are here from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and they push carts and visit patients to offer amenities like refreshments and warm blankets,” Kiene explains. “Often, conversations start and there are bonding moments. One volunteer watched Jeopardy with a patient. Another time, a patient played the guitar and our volunteers were there to listen.” Schoettmer began volunteering in 2015 after she lost a cousin to breast cancer, and three years before she was diagnosed with lymphoma. “I was very angry and wanted to do something,” she says ut now, it’s so fulfilling and rewarding, and every Thursday morning when I walk into the James I feel exhilarated.” Schoettmer spends her volunteering time helping chemotherapy patients, many of whom she sees on a regular basis for several weeks. “I introduce myself and tell them I’ll make sure they’re warm and comfortable and not afraid,” she says. During Schoettmer’s treatment, she received chemotherapy in the clinic where she now volunteers. “ I understand and appreciate what the patients are going through, and I let them know that somebody cares about them and there is hope,” she says.