FERLANDER WASHINGTON-GANGEL

For Ferlander Washington-Gangel, it all began when her grandfather, grandmother, and mother all passed away from various forms of cancer. Her grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer, grandmother was also diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasized to other areas of her body, and mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mother-in-law was diagnosed with colon cancer a few years ago, which is now in remission.

For a long time, Ferlander held at an early age, the strong desire to help individuals affected by cancer. So when she received a phone call from a long time colleague and friend who asked “Do you want to help in the fight against cancer?” Ferlander immediately said “of course” I will love to help.

Ferlander went from running her own for-profit which helps individuals enhance their health and wellness goals to volunteering with Fight 4 Cure Inc. Ferlander says “After the totality of family members being diagnosed with cancer as well as my own experiences, I knew I had to find a way to give back to the community of cancer patients. So that phone call changed everything. Then it was brainstorming to come up with events with Fight 4 Cure Inc that really got me involved. I really felt the enthusiasm and passion that comes with volunteering.”

The best part for Ferlander, when complete strangers who have been directly affected by cancer gives her a moment of their time. Ferlander says “I may not be able to save an entire world of cancer patients, but I am able to help one individual at a time. It warms my heart to know my efforts are never in vain and it is most certainly appreciated by the cancer patients we have helped! When you’re volunteering with a group of people who does this voluntarily without being compensated, then you know they’re staying true to the intended mission. This encourages me to continue on this volunteer journey!”