Cherise's story: why I volunteer with BCNA

As a young person with lived experience, I love volunteering at BCNA – an organisation that has helped me directly, and which does so much for people living with or affected by breast cancer.

For every way we volunteers make an event run more smoothly, or for every bit of merchandise we sell, I feel great, knowing I’m making sure BCNA can be there to help people now and into the future.

Volunteering with BCNA doesn’t just give me an opportunity to give back to an organisation that has helped me – it also gives me the chance to show others that young women can get breast cancer too. I think when people see me volunteering my time, they see how important BCNA’s work has been to me. It shows the real impact BCNA has on the lives of people affected by breast cancer. 

And it’s fun, too! When I’m out there at events, I’m engaging with the community and meeting so many wonderful people. I love the camaraderie. Getting to know the other volunteers and understanding that you are part of a bigger impact. You're not just on your own, you are part of a team that's making a difference. It is so wonderful to see the generosity of other volunteers. 

I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go. It’s a brilliant way to take action, and contribute to something greater than yourself. And it leaves you with such a feeling of a full cup – I end up on a real high. I feel really, really elated. A big part of that is not just being able to give back myself, but also seeing the generosity of community members and the other volunteers.

In a world so full of negativity, I love being able to see that the community is still so generous. 

Would you like to volunteer with BCNA at Carman’s Fun Run Sydney on 20 September, 2026, at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont? Register your interest here, and help us make the second-ever Carman’s Fun Run Sydney the best yet.