From Volunteer to Employee: Meet Drew
Our team at the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) continues to grow as we challenge ourselves to provide joy to more kids and teens facing serious illness each year. Recently, we hired six new staff members and welcomed three new interns. Of those six staff members, two are previous CCA volunteers. We’re so excited to have them on the team and know that their expertise will only help to strengthen our mission. Today, we would like to introduce you to Drew Peterson, Database Support.
From Corvallis, Oregon, Drew graduated in 2013 from Lewis & Clark College with a degree in International Affairs and a minor in Music. Immediately after college, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which played a large role in his decision to work for CCA. Outside of work, he enjoys playing saxophone and guitar, listening to live music, and staying active with his favorite sports.
Q: How did you learn about CCA?
Drew: I first learned of CCA when I was looking for jobs and internships about 2 years ago. I was really impressed by the organization, went to an orientation, and had my first volunteer experience at CCA’s Live From The Heart Penner-Ash Wine Cellars event. A short time after that I received an email asking for an office volunteer and jumped on the opportunity!
Why did you choose to work at CCA?
I wasn’t a kid when I had cancer, but one of the best parts of my life since has been offering myself as a resource to other people who are going through the same thing. I often go to young adult cancer survivor support groups and also went on a few trips with First Descents which provides young adult cancer survivors with outdoor experiences.
While I was going through treatment, I didn’t reach out to many people. I stayed home with my family and wasn’t on a career path that I felt strongly about. When cancer became a large part of my life, helping people going through the same thing became my mission. I wanted to work at CCA, because it connects me to a community of courageous kids and teens who never fail to inspire me. My work supports amazing programs that not only provide respite from what these kids and their families face, but also deliver moments of sheer joy. I feel so lucky to be able to work for an organization whose mission I so strongly connect with and believe in.
What do you like most about Database Support?
As a member of the Database Team my job is to process both online and mailed donations . I often work directly in CCA’s database, pulling reports, summaries, and fulfilling adjustments. I’m excited to learn more about how the organization runs and how all of our individual jobs work together.
Learn More
CCA relies on our dedicated and passionate volunteers to help events and office activities run smoothly. Consider volunteering at an event, becoming a Chemo Pal, or creating your own personal fundraising page!