Volunteer and make a difference

BCAN is a community of survivors, caregivers, family members, and medical professionals- united in the mission to raise bladder cancer awareness. BCAN NEEDS YOU! We invite you to speak up, step forward, and take action. Whether it’s raising awareness, supporting those affected or helping increase funding for much needed medical research, your involvement matters.

Join our nationwide network of BCAN volunteers and make a real difference

Whether you have a few hours or a lot of time to give, BCAN welcomes volunteers of all kinds! No matter your interests or availability, we have opportunities to match your passion.  Read on to discover the many ways you can get involved:

Walk to End Bladder Cancer:  Walks take place every year in the spring. You can get involved by joining us as an organizer, team captain, or event participant. Each role helps raise awareness, honor loved ones, and support critical research. Every step you take makes a meaningful difference.

Survivor to Survivor: Offer phone support to bladder cancer survivors/patients at various stages of a diagnosis/treatment journey. Survivors and caregivers can volunteer to share experiences, answer questions, and offer hope. Training ensures you feel prepared. To sign up to volunteer in our S2S program click here. 

Grassroots Patient Advocates: These volunteers engage directly with lawmakers and policymakers to influence federal legislation and regulation. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support to confidently share their stories, advocate for policy change and represent the bladder cancer community at the local, state and federal levels.

Community Patient Advocates: These volunteers play a vital role in raising awareness and connecting healthcare providers to BCAN’s free educational and support resources. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support to share materials, build connections, and make a real impact in their communities. Patients, survivors, and caregivers are all welcome; no prior experience needed.

Patient Research Advocates: Volunteers help bring the patient and caregiver voice into bladder cancer research by sharing their experiences and perspectives with bladder cancer researchers. Advocates may also serve on BCAN Task Forces, participate in research studies, or engage in other activities based on their interests and availability. Opportunities are matched to each person’s experiences and treatment history, so participants only receive invitations that are relevant to them. Patients, survivors, and caregivers are all welcome to be part of this program, no research experience needed.

BCAN Chapters: Supporting your local chapter is another great way to get involved. They often need help staffing a booth at community health fairs and other outreach events – and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people!

DIY fundraising event: Host a fundraising on behalf of BCAN!  In recent years, volunteers have organized golf tournaments, Appalachian trail hikes, Boy Scout troop programs, and Shop for Bladder Cancer events, and more.

Volunteer Application

To learn more or for more information about other ways you can volunteer, please contact us at [email protected] or (301) 215-9099 ext. 207

WHY I VOLUNTEER

• “At age 30, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  It is terrifying to hear the word ‘cancer,’ but even more so when it is a disease you have never heard of before.  BCAN provided a network of support and information at a time when I needed it the most.  I volunteer for BCAN because it gives me an opportunity to share my story in the hope of increasing awareness and possibly saving someone’s life.”

  Monica from Virginia

• “Some good must come of this’ has been my mantra, my North Star.  I sought out experiences that would give me a better understanding of our battleground, and provide an opportunity to network with others – all so that I might give back.”

  Rick from Michigan

• “I am committed to educating people about this disease, providing comfort to those going through a similar experience and offering financial support to organizations like BCAN that fund research to help eradicate bladder cancer.”

  Mike from Ohio