When cancer strikes, it’s never just a medical condition – it is a lifechanging upheaval that impacts patients physically, emotionally and socially.
For decades, Pals Bermuda has been there to meet those needs, offering expert care and comfort at a time when it is needed most.
But behind its team of specialists lies another vital force: the volunteers.
From driving patients to appointments, to sitting with them during treatment or simply offering companionship, volunteers are the backbone of Pals. Without them, the charity could not function on the scale it does.
Colleen English DeGrilla, the charity’s executive director, is clear about their importance.
“Pals is known for the professional care it provides, but what often gets overlooked is the army of volunteers who make it all possible,” she said.
“They are our unsung heroes.”
About 100 volunteers give their time freely. Some help in the office, some in the thrift shop, some in fundraising, while many work directly with patients.
One of the most pressing needs is transport: getting people safely to and from chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hospital visits.
“Imagine being too unwell to drive yourself, and not having family who can step in,” Ms English DeGrilla said.
“That’s where our volunteers step forward. They make sure nobody misses the care they need.”
For Paulette Smith, volunteering is personal. A cancer sufferer herself, she knows exactly how much the service means.
“When I was going through treatment, Pals was always there for me,” she said. “They gave me hope and made me feel less alone. So, when I got stronger, I decided I wanted to give back.”
Today, she spends time driving patients and offering emotional support.
“Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to.
“Cancer can be very isolating. I know because I’ve been there. To sit with someone and let them know you understand – it makes a difference.”
Her story is not unusual. Many volunteers have either been helped by Pals themselves or had loved ones who benefited. That lived experience adds depth to the care they provide.
A few hours can change a life
The support goes far beyond the practical. Volunteers often become companions, sharing cups of tea, running errands, or simply being a listening ear and that social contact can be just as valuable as medical treatment.
Ms English DeGrilla pointed out: “You can’t underestimate the power of human connection. It reduces stress, lifts spirits and helps people find the strength to keep going.”
With cancer rates rising and demand increasing, Pals is calling for more people to step forward.
“You don’t need medical training,” Ms English DeGrilla stressed. “You just need a willingness to help. Even a few hours a week can change someone’s life.”
The charity provides training and support. Roles are flexible, ranging from hands-on patient support to behind-the-scenes assistance.
For Ms Smith, the rewards are immense. “Volunteering gives me purpose,” she said. “I feel I’m making a difference, just as someone once made a difference for me.”
Pals has been part of Bermuda’s healthcare landscape since 1980, and its success has always relied on community involvement. Financial donations are critical, but so too is the gift of time.
“Cancer touches almost every family on the island,” Ms English DeGrilla said. “When you volunteer with Pals, you’re not just helping an individual, you’re strengthening our whole community.”
For those considering it, Ms Smith has simple advice: “Don’t wait. If you can help, do it. You’ll be giving the gift of comfort and hope. And you’ll find that in giving, you receive so much back.”
To contact Pals, call 236-PALS (7257) or email [email protected].
