Neighbor News
With Heart for Volunteerism, Charlotte Man Strives to Make an Impact
Mark Collard aims to make a difference for people, like him, who are facing a cancer diagnosis
Mark Collard first got involved with the American Cancer Society last year when he was nominated to be a Real Men Wear Pink ambassador. “I said ‘sure!’ If there’s something out there that needs a volunteer, I’m always willing to help out,” Mark recalled.
Plus, he knows the impact of cancer is far-reaching. “We’ve all probably had a friend or relative that has gone through it,” he said. “This is our way of just being supportive and helping out. That’s why I do it. It doesn’t take a whole lot of time and effort to help somebody else.”
Mark’s heart for volunteerism goes beyond Real Men Wear Pink. He also has a team with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Charlotte – “Pinky Swear” – and is looking forward to participating in the event with survivors, thrivers, caregivers and other volunteers October 30 at South Park.
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When he got involved with the American Cancer Society last year, Mark did so as someone who wanted to support his friends, neighbors and the community. Now he is involved as a cancer survivor himself.
Mark was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma this spring after knowing there was a problem for a few years. When Mark first noticed an issue, he was having to pay for his own health insurance, so he pushed it to back of mind, thinking “It’s probably nothing.” Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and routine physicals were delayed. When he finally got around to getting it checked out this May, Mark got the news he had feared. “You hear the word ‘cancer’ and your mindset wanders,” Mark said.
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After his diagnosis, friends tried to reassure him this was “the good kind of cancer,” Mark said. “There is no good cancer.”
Still, Mark encourages fellow survivors to “be upbeat. Focus on your health. Whatever they tell you to do, do it. Don’t let it turn your life in a negative direction. Don’t burden yourself. You don’t know. There’s a positive outcome. By doing events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, we’re going to find ways to help others.”
Mark continues to do all he can to make a difference in the community. “Pay it forward,” he said of the opportunity to volunteer with the American Cancer Society. “There may be a point when you’re going to need some type of help, so why not get involved? If I can help, why not do it?”
