Jeanne (R) with Bill Kunkel, board member, and Dianne May at the 2011 Tribute Dinner
by Dianne May, President & CEO
Cancer Services lost a stalwart friend this week with the passing of Jeanne Schouweiler. She was the CSNI Champion of Hope award winner last fall at our annual Tribute Dinner and a long-time supporter of Cancer Services. Here is an excerpt of that evening:
“It is such an honor to recognize Jeanne and her long-standing commitment to the organization this evening.
Like many volunteers, Jeanne became aware of Cancer Services, then the Allen County Cancer Society, when cancer personally touched her life. She began volunteering in the early 1970’s by delivering bandages and bed pads made by volunteers to cancer patients in the community. Her daughter Lisa remembers as a child accompanying her mother on these trips to help others.
Jeanne is a woman of strong faith who deeply values friendships, possesses a sincere desire to serve others and is a blessed with a remarkable energy level. She is the kind of friend we all need and hope for in our lives and Jeanne’s gift of friendship crosses multiple generations.
When I first met Jeanne she was clear and passionate when telling me how important she believed it was for our community to understand that Cancer Services is an entirely local organization. For many years she has made it a priority to spread the word about our mission to help local people here in our community.
In all the things she has done and continues to do, she never seeks personal recognition. She volunteers and serves because she values people.
At Cancer Services we have staff members who serve as personal advocates for families. Jeanne is an advocate for the mission of providing encouragement and practical help. Another volunteer at the organization has coined the phrase, “having a heart for cancer.” Jeanne truly has a heart for cancer and coupled with her remarkable energy and desire to serve others has become a champion of hope for many. It is fitting that as she celebrates a milestone birthday this fall we celebrate her gifts of compassion and service to others.
