By Sheila Golden
For the News-Tribune
KEYSER — “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” So go the lyrics of Barbra Streisand’s 1964 Grammy Award-winning song.
When the need arises, citizens of Mineral County and surrounding areas are lucky to have the services of the American Cancer Society and its Community Partner, Jen Thomas. Thomas, who assumed the responsibilities of this position in December of 2008, also provides advocacy and advice to the citizens of Hampshire, Hardy, Grant and Pendleton counties.
When asked about the challenges of serving such a large area, Thomas admitted that the task seemed a bit overwhelming at first.
“But the Relay For Life committees in my area are so strong and dedicated that I am actually learning a lot from them,” she added.
A native of Queen Anne’s County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Thomas has been an Allegany County resident for a number of years. She brings dedication, knowledge and a diverse background of experiences to her current position.
After being graduated from Frostburg State University, Thomas was employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice. In that capacity she worked with the Youth at Risk program.
“I really enjoyed working with those kids,” said Thomas. “I had the opportunity to plan special activities for them—things like outdoor activities. I am an outdoor person; so I loved that part of my job.”
Thomas returned to Queen Anne’s County for a
time and was employed by the Board of Education as the director of the After School Program. She has also been a substitute teacher in Allegany County. Thomas is no stranger to the American Cancer Society. In fact, she was employed in the Cumberland office in 2006.
“I love working for the American Cancer Society,” she declared with feeling. “The only reason I left my position the first time was to be a stay-at-home Mom when my children were very young. When I learned that this position was open, I jumped at the chance to apply.”
Thomas spent the months of January and February attending Relay For Life kick-off meetings in each of the counties she serves. Throughout March she has been contacting individual Relay teams in the counties to offer assistance and direction. She also attends as many Relay fundraisers as possible.
When asked about her goals for her first year as a community partner, Thomas explained, “I want to focus on income for the American Cancer Society and on the Society’s mission.”
She further stated that much of the society’s income is derived from fundraising events. Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The mission of the society is to provide direct service to cancer patients.
“These services include such programs as Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery and Look Good. . . Feel Better,” explained Thomas.
Thomas will be working to promote volunteerism for Relay For Life and for the society in general. Additionally, she is recruiting volunteers to provide transportation for cancer patients to their medical appointments. “There is a need for volunteer transporters at this time,” she said.
She further explained, “I want to stress the importance of our cancer survivors. We need to celebrate survivorship. That’s why we’re here.”
Healthy lifestyles and medical intervention are also regarded by Thomas as being key factors in preventing cancer. She noted that “Fight Back” is a slogan of the American Cancer Society.
“Fighting back involves taking care of ourselves and getting regular medical screenings. We also need to exercise regularly and maintain nutritional eating habits,” Thomas continued.
Thomas maintains an office at her home in Cresaptown, where she resides with her husband Rob and their children, Matt, a sixth grader at Braddock Middle School, and Emily, a third grader at Cresaptown Elementary School.
Anyone needing information or cancer patient services may call Thomas at (301) 729-1818. Individuals may also call the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 for assistance. Thomas is available to speak to groups about Relay For Life and patient services offered by the American Cancer Society. She encourages people to contact her.
“That’s why I am here,” she concluded.
