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The Oncology Volunteer Gathering, organized annually by the Catalan Federation of Cancer Organizations (FECEC), held its 21st edition this Saturday, May 24, at the Ciutadella Campus of Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona). This year, oncology volunteers came together to reflect on gratitude and the positive impact that volunteering has on the body and mind of those who give their time.
The gathering serves to thank the work of the nearly 5,200 volunteers from the member organizations who selflessly dedicate their time to improving the quality of life of people with cancer and their families; to recognize their importance as a key pillar in the psychosocial care of cancer patients, their families, and caregivers, alongside professionals from the organizations; and as a space to strengthen the bond and sense of belonging among oncology volunteers.
The positive impact of supporting people with cancer on volunteers
Under the theme “Volunteering, a Source of Gratitude”, the Gathering aimed to reflect on this feeling understood as a two-way experience, not only from the patient toward the volunteer. In this regard, various experiences were shared by people who currently dedicate their time to oncology volunteering out of a sense of gratitude. Furthermore, the event explored the scientific explanation behind this drive—that is, the positive impact on the brain and body when time is selflessly dedicated to improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.
The president of the Catalan Federation Against Cancer, Maria Assumpció Vilà, emphasized that “many of the volunteers who support people with cancer and their families often tell us that they receive much more than they give. That’s why this year we wanted to address this aspect and help attendees understand why they feel so grateful for their selfless work.”
At the opening of the event, hosted by 3Cat journalist Ignasi Gaya, speeches were also given by the Deputy Director General for Coordination and Participation in Salut of Generalitat de Catalunya, Marta Belmonte Serra; and the Deputy for Trade, Consumer Affairs and Public Health of the Diputació de Barcelona, Samuel Núñez i Amela, both of whom highlighted the vital work carried out by volunteers in improving the lives of people with cancer and their families, as well as their role as a cornerstone within the organizations.
Next, four inspirational talks took place, delving into gratitude as the driving force behind volunteer work. Volunteers Dúnia Falgueras Martínez from Fundació Oncolliga; Glòria Gonzalez and Olga Pau from the Fundació Enriqueta Villavecchia; and Imma Bellatriu, president of the Blanes delegation and board member of Fundació Oncolliga Girona, shared their moving personal experiences and the gratitude they feel when dedicating time to supporting oncology patients.
Among them all, the talk by neuropsychologist and psychotherapist Maria Garau stood out, as she explained how the brain and body respond to pleasant experiences. “When neurotransmitters generate dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, we become attached to positive behavior. That’s why we receive in the same way that we give,” Garau highlighted in her talk I Receive More Than I Give: The Altruistic Brain, in which she also emphasized that volunteering requires full attention, honesty, and an understanding of what need the volunteer is fulfilling.
The attendees of the Gathering later took part in workshops led by the organization El Despertador, aimed at reflecting on the value and meaning of their work.
This year’s closing ceremony was led by Gospel Soul, a choir founded in 2012 in Barcelona, which performed a selection of classic and contemporary gospel songs.
