Breast cancer volunteer opportunities at Komen come in many forms, but volunteer leadership roles give supporters a unique chance to make a lasting impact in their community while advancing Komen’s mission to end breast cancer.
From coordinating events to assisting new volunteers, these dedicated leaders play a pivotal role in raising awareness and support for the breast cancer community.
“Komen’s volunteer leaders serve as the boots on the ground,” said Paola Hernandez, senior manager of volunteer development and experience at Komen. “We rely on them to help build connections with their fellow supporters in their community.”
That local connection is what volunteer leaders like Stacy Scovanner, Terese Bagley and Chanda Glass bring to life in their communities.
Stacy’s Story: Leading with Empathy
After moving from Florida to Kentucky and receiving her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2020, Stacy looked for an opportunity to get involved with the breast cancer community.
“For me, volunteering is like therapy,” she said. “Connecting with other survivors who know what it’s like to deal with the day-to-day struggles you go through with breast cancer is cathartic and how I cope with what I’ve gone through.”
Facing a Rare Breast Cancer Diagnosis
When Stacy was in her mid-30s, genetic testing revealed a BRIP1 gene mutation, a variant linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. When she discovered a lump in her armpit, she made an appointment for a mammogram. “Two weeks later, I was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer,” she said. “My oncologist wasn’t even sure how to treat it.”
Since her mastectomy in 2020, Stacy has had eight additional surgeries related to her breast cancer, including a complete hysterectomy. “Radiation and chemotherapy weren’t options for me,” she said. “It’s been a long journey.”
From Survivor to Volunteer Leader
After going through breast cancer treatment, Stacy quickly took on a leadership role supporting Komen’s awareness events in Kentucky and Indiana, including the Kentucky MORE THAN PINK Walk. She shared her story onstage and has served as chair or co-chair of the Walk since 2022. Her dedication as a volunteer earned her recognition as a 2025 Komen Volunteer of the Year.
While the Walk remains her favorite Komen event, Stacy has supported several campaigns and events in her community, including the Komen Survivor Breakfast and Tour de Komen, a 100-mile fundraising bicycle ride in Indiana.
Last year, she helped organize a Go Pink for the Cure Mother’s Day fundraiser with the Louisville Bats, a minor league baseball team.
“Every volunteer brings a different light into someone’s life, and you don’t know that until you volunteer,” Stacy said.
Terese’s Story: Leading with Purpose
Terese began her journey as a Komen volunteer in Hawaii to honor a close friend affected by breast cancer.
“The experience was incredibly hard on her, but she faced it with such courage,” she said. “Volunteering became my way of standing in solidarity with those I love and others in my community who have faced breast cancer.”
Bringing Komen Events to Life
Terese signed up to volunteer for the Race for the Cure – now the Hawaii MORE THAN PINK Walk, a major breast cancer fundraising event in her community. While supporting the event, she has juggled multiple volunteer leadership roles.
“I’ve helped coordinate logistics and day of event needs, managed volunteers and supported coordination with donors and sponsors,” she said. “My goal is to always do my best to help create a seamless experience that reflects the heart of Komen’s mission.”
A Standout Leader in the Fight to End Breast Cancer
In addition to her Walk role, Terese works with Komen Hawaii to plan the annual Pink Tie Ball fundraising gala. She helps maintain Komen’s presence in the community year-round. To honor her commitment to volunteerism, Komen recognized Terese as one of the 2025 Volunteers of the Year.
“Terese is always willing to roll up her sleeves and help out wherever she is needed most,” said Rolanda Morgan, executive director of Komen Hawaii. “She is an incredible volunteer and has been a tremendous support to our efforts.”
The Deeper Meaning of Volunteer Leadership
For Terese, volunteering for breast cancer events is a meaningful way to give back and make an impact. “I understand firsthand how vital volunteers are to the success of many causes,” she said. “For me, it’s also about giving back, using my time and energy to support others and uplift my community.”
Chanda’s Story: Leading with Heart
Chanda’s first experience volunteering for Komen came when she was in her early 20s. “My best friend’s mom worked for Komen and asked if we would help on the event day for the Race for the Cure,” she said. “Eventually, my friend’s mom left her role at Komen, but I continued volunteering.”
Leading the Charge at the MORE THAN PINK Walk
That was more than 20 years ago, and Chanda continues to serve as a champion for Komen in her community. At the Komen DMV Tri-State MORE THAN PINK Walk, she manages volunteer registration and assignments. In 2025, she was also recognized as one of Komen’s Volunteers of the Year.
The Drive to Make a Difference Through Volunteer Leadership
“Chanda is the glue that holds the Walk together,” said Adrienne Johnson, executive director of Komen DMV Tri-State. “She manages the volunteer registration with superb management skills, and she instinctively knows how to assign and re-assign volunteers to where they are most needed.”
In addition to leading volunteer efforts, Chanda serves as Team Captain. Her Walk team, Team Tudes, fundraises for the event every year.
She also promotes breast health awareness, educating friends and community members on the importance of early detection.
“Awareness is key,” she said. “People see how passionate I am about Komen, and they’ll come to me for information or support. That’s what drives me.”
Step Up and Lead: Volunteer Leadership with Komen
Komen’s volunteer leaders play a crucial role in making breast cancer events and outreach possible.
Stacy, Terese and Chanda represent just a few of the inspiring individuals across the U.S. stepping into leadership roles to make an impact in their communities and helping to advance Komen’s mission to end breast cancer.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
