Volunteer Spotlight

Nicole Gutierrez

CCA Volunteer since 2009

CCA regularly highlights some of our wonderful volunteers and Nicole Gutierrez certainly deserves this recognition! Nicole is a Chemo Pal Mentor to kiddo Lily. Her awesome mentoring skills and dedication to her Chemo Pal kiddo are exemplary.  Nicole's volunteering makes a difference daily, and we cannot thank her enough. Read on to learn a bit more about Nicole, volunteer extraordinaire…

When you were kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember.  In kindergarten we had to make our own yearbook and I drew a picture of an ambulance and a red cross.

If you were a super hero, what would be your special power? Invisibility - that way you could always surprise the bad guys.

What was you most embarrassing moment? A few terms ago, as I hurried to class, I managed to trip up the stairs holding my coffee in one hand and a muffin in the other. I attempted to catch myself, having no available hands to catch my fall, I tripped again and continued to fall and landed on my shins. Ouch! However I, gracefully, managed to spill only a single drop of coffee. I had to laugh at myself as I looked around and realized no one had witnessed my clumsiness.

How long have you been volunteering at CCA? Almost a year.

Why do you volunteer at CCA? Initially, I decided to volunteer for CCA because my mom is a Chemo Pal and encouraged me to become one. When I began college as a nursing major, my goal was to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Now, as Child and Family Studies major, I am still working towards a career in the hospital. I really enjoy working with kids and I think we can all learn so much from them! I love what CCA does for seriously ill children and their families.

How did you hear about CCA? My mom; she is a Chemo Pal too.

What is your favorite thing about being a Chemo Pal Mentor? I know, as a Chemo Pal, I can have a significant impact on my kiddo. Additionally, I am constantly amazed by the effect my kiddo has on me.

What is your favorite memory of your Chemo Pal kiddo? Two words - Candy Land.  Me and my kiddo play it everytime we get together.

What is it about CCA that keeps you coming back? The positive impact I have on my kiddo and the positive impact they have on me.