Answering the Call: Celebrating National Volunteer Month with HealthTree’s Cure Teams

pril brings with it so many things we love—warmer weather, the beauty of spring in bloom, and time with loved ones over spring break or Easter. But there's something else about April that often goes uncelebrated: it's National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the incredible value and impact of volunteers across the country.

This national celebration was established in 1989 when President George H. W. Bush encouraged Americans to become “a thousand points of light” through acts of service. Although the month may be coming to an end, the need for volunteers—and the power of giving back—continues well beyond April.

Volunteering is about more than just giving your time. It’s about showing up for others, being part of something bigger than yourself, and creating change in your community. Studies show that volunteering can improve your health, increase happiness, and even reduce stress. It gives people a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment.

And now, there are even more ways to serve—especially if you're passionate about supporting the blood cancer community.

Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering is more than donating time—it's about contributing to a cause greater than yourself. Whether helping a charitable organization, supporting a local initiative, or engaging in health advocacy, volunteering can transform both lives and communities.

Studies show that volunteering leads to:

• Increased happiness and life satisfaction
  
  
• Improved mental well-being and reduced stress
  
  
• A stronger sense of community and belonging
  
  
• Greater civic engagement and social connection
  
  
• Professional development and valuable experience

At its core, volunteering is fueled by values like empathy, justice, and connection. It is one of the most powerful ways to create change, not just in the world, but within ourselves.

Introducing HealthTree Regional Cure Teams

HealthTree Regional Cure Teams are a nationwide volunteer initiative created to empower patients, caregivers, advocates, and supporters in the fight against blood cancers. With teams already launched and actively making an impact, Cure Teams offers countless ways for individuals to get involved and give back.

Cure Teams are organized into six regional groups across the United States:

• Pacific
  
  
• Rocky Mountain
  
  
• Midwest
  
  
• Southwest
  
  
• Northeast
  
  
• Southeast

Each regional team, powered by volunteers who are passionate about improving patient outcomes, is working to expand awareness, strengthen community connections, and support groundbreaking research through grassroots volunteerism. You don’t have to be a patient or cancer expert to get involved—you just need a willingness to help and a heart for others.

How You Can Help

No matter your experience level or availability, there’s a meaningful way for you to contribute to a Cure Team. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

Expand the Cure Hub Community

Help grow the HealthTree Cure Hub Registry by inviting patients and caregivers to join. Cure Hub connects personal health data with research to accelerate the search for cures, and your outreach can help others feel empowered and informed.

Support Fundraising Efforts

Whether you host your own fundraiser or support an existing campaign in your region, your efforts help raise critical funds for blood cancer research, patient education, and support programs.

Connect with Others

Reach out to patients in underserved communities—especially Black, Hispanic, and rural populations—who often face greater barriers to care. Cure Teams volunteers help bridge the gap and bring resources and hope to those who need it most.

If this is something you particularly feel passionate about, we encourage you to create a free account and join our upcoming live webinar: Breaking the Silence: Confronting Disparities in Black Health.

I want to learn more about disparities in healthcare

Represent HealthTree in Your Community

Attend local health fairs, wellness expos, or cancer-related events as a HealthTree ambassador. You’ll help build connections, spread awareness, and form partnerships that expand HealthTree’s reach and impact.

Ready to Get Involved? Let’s Make It Happen!

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, now is the perfect time. Cure Teams offer flexible roles, both in-person and virtual, so you can make a difference in a way that works for you. You can serve alone or alongside friends, family, church groups, or coworkers—and you'll be part of a powerful network of people working together to improve lives.

To get started, click below:

Volunteer with a Regional Cure Team

You’ll be connected with your regional Cure Team and receive all the support you need to begin.

Volunteering is one of the most generous things you can do—and it just might change your life in the process. Whether it’s April, May, or any month of the year, your time, voice, and energy matter. 

Join a Cure Team and be part of a movement that’s bringing awareness, empowerment, and healing to the blood cancer community—one act of service at a time.