Cancer survivor turned volunteer now gives back to others
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — This week is National Volunteer Week, and we’re highlighting one local man who’s giving back in a big way.
Sam Robbin volunteers at Novant Health’s Zimmer Cancer Institute in Wilmington. Sixteen years after beating cancer, Robbin now supports patients going through chemo.
One of those patients is Linda Quinn. Two years ago, she was fighting stage three ovarian cancer.
Quinn says having support from someone who’s been in her shoes makes all the difference—and that she and Robbin have become life-long friends.
“He’s been in that chair, and It’s a lonely place to be. It’s a very lonely place to be, but with examples like Sam, it makes it so much more bearable,” Quinn said.
Even before his diagnosis, Robbin previously helped with fundraising for organizations like the American Cancer Society and their Relay for Life campaign.
“When I retired, I wanted to switch that a bit to rally the interaction of being with patients that are going through it,” he explained.
Now two years into volunteering, Robbin has helped countless patients by lending an ear and a shoulder to cry on.
“It’s more than bringing someone coffee or a warm blanket. It’s bringing that hope, that smile,” Quinn noted.
Quinn was one of Robbin’s first patients, and one of the first to finish their treatment.
“The last day, was a powerful day,” Quinn recalled.
Quinn rang a bell to signal the final time she would sit in that chair.
“We’re so happy for the patients when we hear that. We stop everything, everybody claps on the unit, it’s just a remarkable time,” Robbin said.
Now in remission, Quinn still keeps up with Robbin—albeit outside of the hospital.
“I will never forget you and I pray that God continues to bless you in journey of helping others—but I also pray that I don’t have to sit in that chair again,” Quinn said to Robbin.
Robbin recommends that others to try volunteering at least once, because—as he puts it—you never know who might need your company.
