Carrying the Torch: Why I Volunteer

Guest post by Christina Guichard

The author with John and her son, who is named after him.

It is not often you find someone who changes the way you look at life.  Who wakes you up to life's possibilities and challenges you to be a better person.  Eight years ago I met that person and I am thankful for him every day.  His name is John and he is a Leukemia, Lymphoma, and HIV survivor, and today, he is again battling for his life.  

John is grateful survivor of four forms of cancer and has been living with HIV since 1984.  John is also an honored caregiver who has had the privilege of caring for several loved ones they struggled with their illnesses, including his sister, parents, and partner. After his HIV diagnosis, John became a full time advocate for the needs of people affected by HIV and cancer, and others who suffer from health disparities.  John has changed the lives of thousands of people through public speaking and working with policy-makers to advocate for positive change and inspiring others to become advocates.

Over the past two years, John has been battling Hodgkins Lymphoma and is preparing for a bone marrow transplant.  Since a majority of his time is focused on staying healthy and preparing for upcoming treatments, I told him I wanted to pick up his torch and carry it until he is well enough to advocate again. I know I can't even begin to make as big of impact as my friend John, but I hope to help as many people as possible through volunteerism, advocacy, and love.  

I hope you join me in spreading the love in honor of John and so many others like him.  

They fight every day, and it is time we fight for them too.  

Christina volunteers with NCAAN from her home in North Carolina.