Volunteer Spotlight: Celena Donahue

Role: ACS CAN ACT Lead for California’s 2nd Congressional District and member of the Infinity Group, Indigenous Volunteer Voices (IVV)

Hometown: Humboldt County, CA

How did you first get involved with ACS CAN? I’ve worked in tribal health and cancer control for about 25 years, and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our tribal communities face when it comes to cancer prevention, screening, and access to care. I got involved with ACS CAN because I wanted to help bring a stronger voice to these issues and advocate for policies that make a difference, especially for our tribal communities.

How did you feel after that first meeting with a lawmaker? After my first meeting with a lawmaker, I felt empowered and encouraged. It reminded me that our voices matter and that sharing our experiences from tribal communities can help bring awareness and create change. I walked away feeling hopeful and motivated to keep advocating for better cancer care and resources for our communities.

What types of things do you do as a volunteer for ACS CAN? As an ACS CAN volunteer, I serve as an ACT Lead for California’s 2nd Congressional District and am part of the Infinity Group, Indigenous Volunteer Voices (IVV).

I’m also proud to be part of the first American Cancer Society Indigenous cohort. I’ve helped facilitate the American Cancer Society’s Health Equity Ambassador training, integrating culture into the training to make it more meaningful and relevant to Indigenous communities. We’ve offered this training virtually, in person, and at the National Indian Health Board Conference, with several more in-person trainings coming up.

I’ve also emceed at ACS CAN’s Leadership Conference, participated in California Capitol Days, and traveled to Washington, D.C., three times to advocate on Capitol Hill for increased cancer research funding and other cancer priorities. Through all of these opportunities, I’m able to elevate Indigenous voices and advocate for better cancer prevention, screening, and care in our tribal communities.

If someone said to you, “I am not a political person, why should I get involved?” What would your response be? I would tell them that you don’t have to be a political person to make a difference. ACS CAN is nonpartisan, and it’s about advocating for policies that help save lives. Cancer affects all of us, regardless of political beliefs. It’s about using your voice to make sure our families and communities have access to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care. Your voice matters, and together we can help create change.