Hello, my name is Donielle Deitz, and I live in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with my husband and two miniature schnauzers, Stella and Louie. I am a retired financial services professional.
My grandmother was the first person I knew that had cancer. I was 13 years old and scared. She lived with us, and my mother was her primary caregiver. This was my first role as a caregiver, and I didn’t even know what that meant at that time.
My next experience with cancer was when my best friend, Shelli, lost her 11-year courageous battle against breast cancer at the age of 47.
I began my volunteer journey with the American Cancer Society in 2000. While attending my first Relay For Life team captains meeting, I was recruited to join the Event Leadership Team. My volunteer roles from that year forward included being the Event Chair for many years (at 4 different events). I was on our state RFL leadership team and chaired the Florida team, then was a Co-Lead for the Nationwide Relay Leadership Team. Through my experience with Relay For Life, I have become very familiar with the mission of the American Cancer Society. This allows me to share many of the resources and patient services that are available to support cancer patients going through treatment, as well as the caregivers that support them.
Today, I continue my caregiving journey as a Road to Recovery driver providing transportation to and from treatment to cancer patients in my local community. I am also a Legislative Ambassador with ACSCAN working with local lawmakers to pass laws that help reduce the burden of cancer and increase access to care and screenings.
Supporting events like RFL and MSABC is saving lives and helping to improve the lives of those impacted by cancer.