Robert “Ziggy” Zegarek was recently elected to the Cancer Hope Network Board of Trustees. Mr. Zegarek is the Director of Risk Transfer for HUB International, a leading insurance brokerage and risk management firm. He’s also a cancer survivor.
“My fear when I was diagnosed was that I was going to come out of surgery having aged 20 years. For me, that didn’t happen. Ultimately, my experience with cancer helped me to have more wisdom and empathy with others. I’m more patient with people now and more aware that people have all kinds of stuff going on in their lives.”
That awareness led Mr. Zegarek to look for new ways to contribute to his community. It’s made him a strong advocate of testing, more willing to start difficult conversations with friends and colleagues. “If you have issues, don’t let embarrassment get in the way.” It also led him to Cancer Hope Network.
“I saw firsthand the impact of caring support when I was going through treatment,” he recalled. “The Cancer Hope Network mission is both meaningful and personal. I’m honored to serve with an organization where I can have a significant impact.”
“Ziggy brings a wonderful combination of heart and expertise to his service as a trustee,” said Executive Director Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein. “His thoughtful commitment to helping the organization grow to serve even more cancer patients and caregivers is deeply appreciated. His firsthand knowledge of the challenges cancer brings makes him an extraordinary champion of peer support.”
To schedule an interview with Mr. Zegarek or to learn more about Cancer Hope Network, contact Beth Blakey, Executive Director – bblakey@cancerhopenetwork.org.
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About Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network provides free one-on-one peer support to adult cancer patients and their loved ones. Our 400+ survivor Support Volunteers have faced more than 80 types of cancer. (More than 98% of the cancers that will be diagnosed this year.) Together with our caregiver volunteers, they provide support from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. All volunteer and client matches are overseen by a team of nursing/social work and certified tele-health professionals.
