Throughout February, WNED|WBFO is recognizing everyday citizens of Western New York who are doing amazing things in their communities. Our “Making a Difference” project emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and encourages others to lend a helping hand. Here is the story of a community champion who is making a difference.
"I used to beg my doctors, give me someone to talk to. I would have talked to a child,” said a cancer patient who longed for someone to lean on as she underwent treatment.
The woman is one of many survivors now taking part in a Cancer Coach program, organized by Hillary Ruchlin, a long time veteran of the health care industry, who knows how costly the disease can be.
“My mother was diagnosed with cancer, and it was, you know, 'Oh, boy, how do you deal with this,'” said Ruchlin. “And it’s not something that you expected and, all of a sudden, here your whole life changes, and it affects not only the patient but everybody in that patient’s life.”
The Cancer Coach Program, part of the Cancer Wellness Center of Western New York also founded by Ruchlin, brings survivors together with people who are newly diagnosed.
“We have over 150 volunteers that have recovered from most cancer diagnoses, and so if somebody wants to speak to someone, I take down the information and get to work on finding someone who can match up the same kind of cancer that they have,” noted Ruchlin.
“No you don’t have to come to the office, the coach will contact you and it will be up to you…” said Ruchlin as she spoke with a patient by phone.
Ruchlin takes great care and compassion in matching patients with survivors, knowing the right match can make all the difference.
“You can hear them on the phone, when you’re talking to them,” said Ruchlin. “When they make that first call, that they’re frightened and by the time they hang up, you can feel the change in their voice. That they had spoken to somebody who understands what they’re going through and that they’re going to offer them some help along the way.”
Ruchlin has brought thousands of people together since initiating the program more than 10 years ago, including patient Susan Schultz and survivor Barb Bartle.
“I’ll tell you, it’s been so rewarding,” said Bartle. “I love Hillary for starting this program. It’s what I want to do with my time, whether I was retired or working, I would still do this.”
Schultz added, “I’ve always been a believer that you should, no matter what you’re doing, turn around and kind of pull the next person up. And so Barb did that with me.”
The two are now lifelong friends, thanks to Ruchlin, who said helping others brings meaning to her own life.
“What I have learned over the years is that the human spirit is unbelievable,” says Ruchlin. “What people have come through, these amazing obstacles, just as you all have, and are still able to get on with their life, and make it a good life, is inspirational. And that’s why I, I have gained more from running all this, than anything else.”
Listen to WBFO throughout February for more stories of people who are Making a Difference in Western New York.
Watch the Making a Difference TV documentary on WNED-TV Tuesday, February 16th @ 7:30pm and find out more online at wned.org/making a difference.
