Moffitt Honors Its Volunteers

Pedro Carrasquillo moved from Puerto Rico to Tampa after battling colon cancer. Once in the Tampa Bay area, he wanted to find a way to give back and share his story. He found that when he became a volunteer at Moffitt Cancer Center in 2013.

Carrasquillo has logged over 1,000 volunteer hours helping incoming patients at Moffitt’s information desk. As a cancer survivor, he has an empathic way of connecting with patients because he knows what it’s like to be in their position.

Pedro Carrasquillo, Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient

“Moffitt was the perfect venue to share the gift of living cancer-free,” Carrasquillo said. “It has allowed me to express myself in ways I never knew and more. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.”

When he is not assisting patients, Carrasquillo can be found bringing in doughnuts for his team, giving tours of the cancer center or serving on the Volunteer Services Advisory Board.

His dedication to Moffitt was honored this year during the annual Volunteer Appreciation ceremony, where he was named Adult Volunteer of the Year. This year’s event, held virtually, celebrated all volunteers for their devotion and service to the cancer center and its patients.

Carrasquillo said he is very humbled to have won such an award and feels all volunteers at Moffitt deserve the volunteer of the year award for their commitment and love for helping others.

“I’m honored and speechless. It feels unbelievable. As I never thought I would be recognized by my peers in this manner,” he said. “The staff at the Volunteer Office and the gold information desk deserve all the credit for allowing me to be me and to be part of something greater than myself.”

Carrasquillo says he will be an advocate for Moffitt for the rest of his life.

In addition to the Adult Volunteer of the Year award, the cancer center also announced the Student Volunteer of the Year, Ray of Sunshine, Rookie of the Year, Farthest Traveler and the Above and Beyond awards.

“Our volunteers are an extension of our team. They all impress me with their infectious spirits,” said LaWanda Byrd, director of Volunteer Services at Moffitt. “It is only right that we celebrate them for the positive impact they make here at Moffitt.”

Student Volunteer of the Year:

Laura Saint Charles

Above & Beyond:

Nicholas Cisneros

Ray of Sunshine:

Amy Bondon

Rookie of the Year:

Daniel Sun

Farthest Traveler:

Virginia “Ginger” Vincent