Volunteer Spotlight:
Denise Morris
An active volunteer for our Food Support Programs, Denise Morris says she’s never forgotten what it felt like to be a parent in the hospital with her child.
When Denise Morris saw that West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation was looking for volunteers for their Food Support Programs, she knew she wanted to get in touch.
As a mother with lived experience of childhood cancer, she understands how important this program is to parents in the hospital with their child. Her son Aidan was diagnosed at two years old and she vividly remembers what it was like when he was undergoing treatment.
“You never forget what it feels like to be in the hospital, just trying to figure things out and get through the day,” she says.
Aidan has been cancer-free since he was four years old. He will be 26 this year and is a recent graduate from SFU.
“I keep wondering where was the Food Support Program 22 years ago??” says Morris. “I would have to wait for someone to come visit us to get something to eat. You just can’t leave your child, especially if they are in isolation.”
For Morris, volunteering with the Food Support Program is a way for her to give back that feels useful and productive. “Even though you’re doing something behind the scenes, it’s making a big difference,” she says.
Morris goes into the WCK office on a regular basis to help pack boxes for our Nourish at Home program, which delivers nourishing, ready-to-eat meals to the homes of families who are going through a childhood cancer or blood disorder experience. Through this program, families all over B.C. get a delivery of meals directly to their door at no cost to them.
“Having been that cancer mom I know the kind of difference this makes to a family,” she says.
As well as supporting a program that truly makes an impact, Morris loves being part of WCK and the work we are doing for kids and families.
“WCK is really trying to listen and fill the niches where they are needed,” says Morris. “That’s what I like about the organization - they are helping where there is the greatest need and are doing so in very creative ways.”
We are so grateful to Denise Morris and all of our incredible Food Support volunteers who make this program possible! Thank you for helping us continue providing nourishing meals to families in the hospital and at home.
Hey! I'm Jill.
Want to learn more about volunteering with us? Reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Jill Leddy at jill.leddy[at]wckfoundation.ca.