young woman looks into distance

Become a Neuro-Oncology Peer Support Volunteer

Calling all brave individuals who are successfully navigating the challenges of brain cancer! You are living proof of the incredible strength of the human spirit, and your journey can now serve as an inspiration to others walking the same path. We invite you to join our Thrivers’ community as a peer support volunteer, where your unique experiences and resilient determination can make a profound impact. By sharing your story, lending an empathetic ear, and offering guidance to those navigating the complexities of brain cancer, you have the power to be a beacon of hope and a source of comfort.

As a Thriver, you'll not only help lessen the isolation and fear experienced by others but you’ll also find renewed purpose and connection in your own life as part of our Thrivers’ community.

Word cloud inspired by Thriver community that is shown within a brain-shaped cloud

We ask that our volunteers be:

  • At least one year post diagnosis
  • Currently living with stable primary brain cancer (note: recurrence does not discharge you from the volunteer role)
  • Able to handle emotional conversations about death and dying
  • Able to listen empathically and keep the focus on supporting the other person
  • Able to keep your match’s health information confidential

To become a UCSF Neuro-Oncology Peer Support Volunteer one must:

  1. Attend a 2-hour online training (held yearly in November)
  2. Complete an online application and sign a volunteer and confidentiality agreement
  3. Connect over the phone with a current peer volunteer to receive support and get personal information on what it is like to be part of the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Peer Support Thriver community

Once trained as a volunteer you will then be invited to attend a weekly Thrivers group starting in January where you will continue to learn and deepen your skills with other trained volunteers. This weekly meeting is entirely optional - join whenever it works for you.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Support Volunteer, please send an email to Naomi.Hoffer@ucsf.edu. You do not need to be a UCSF patient to become a volunteer. You do, however, need to be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor.