Ledyard Resident Featured as TBBCF's April Volunteer of the Month

Entering his eighth year volunteering with the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF), Doug Hoyt is the Team Co-Captain of Opening and Closing Ceremonies for our Walk Across SECT.

Doug is married to Michelle, sister of Terri Brodeur, and they are residents of Ledyard. Doug is currently contracting at Pfizer Inc as a lab analyst, testing medications that are currently on the market for safety and shelf-life stability.

Doug first heard about TBBCF through his brother-in-law Tim Brodeur, who raved about his wonderful co-worker, Norma Logan, who was also fighting breast cancer, as was Tim’s wife, Terri. Tim used to talk about how much strength and compassion Norma had and how she was determined to eradicate this awful disease. As a result of this determination, Norma started a foundation, with her friend Sandy Maniscalco, where 100% of gross fundraising dollars would go directly to breast cancer research. Terri Brodeur died in October, 2005, and Norma named the Foundation in memory of her friend, Terri. Sadly, Norma died in April of 2006, prior to the Foundation’s first walk.

“I never had the pleasure of meeting Norma; prior to her passing, but I've met her friends and family and know that her spirit lives on in the success of TBBCF. There were many things that drew my interest to this nonprofit organization; but the item that stands out the most to me and continues to be at the heart of my driving force is family. If I had never met my wife, Michelle, I may never have heard of or taken part in this Foundation, sharing a life with her and meeting her family, including Terri and Tim Brodeur and their amazing three children, Ashley, Melanie and Sean (who I'm proud to be called their Uncle) and all of the extended Brodeur family and community friends, I would never truly have appreciated the impact that breast cancer and losing a loved one has on all of those involved.  It's been and continues to be a parallel so closely knitted that even amongst the smiles and the laughs and the good memories there's still a huge hole in the hearts of many lives that have been touched and forever changed by cancer and the tragedy it can bring.  

This organization and the faith and dedication of its supporters carry on the legacy of all those lives including Founder, Norma Logan, and Terri Brodeur, the Foundation's namesake and give us the courage and the strength to keep up their fight”

In 2006 and 2007 Doug shared the Opening and Closing Ceremonies Team Co-Captain role with Tim Brodeur; In 2008 and 2009 he remained in this role sharing it with Gary Whalen - a Pfizer colleague of Tim Brodeur’s, and since 2010, including this year's upcoming 2013 walk, he has shared this Co-Captain role with Ellie Corey. “Working together with Ellie has made the planning and execution of the ceremonies feel like a refreshing autumn walk.”  

“I have never walked any of the marathons; I have always been in a volunteer role; mainly due to my own health; but also, over time, I’ve realized the reality that volunteering is just as important if not more important than walking. We need walkers for sure to raise money for breast cancer research and to promote the Foundation name and cause; but it takes a large number of volunteers to support such an undertaking to support these walkers over 26.2 miles.”

Interviewer Ellen Swercewski asked Doug about his experience as an eight-year volunteer and the time commitment involved.  “Volunteering with the Foundation for the last eight years has been an incredible and almost indescribable experience. There's never any doubt that year after year and Walk after Walk, my volunteering for such a great cause is time well spent.

Initially when I began volunteering as a Team Co-Captain with my brother-in-law, Tim, there was a major time commitment due to the nuance of the Foundation and the support needed for the Walk; but over the past seven years the time commitment has decreased.  As time has passed; lessons have been learned; and the Foundation tries to improve on those items that it can; while leaving in place those items it does well.  Don't get me wrong; there is definitely still a time commitment; but it is worth the investment. For those folks not wanting to be a Team Captain, volunteering for Walk day is always welcomed, and they will find themselves well prepared with information on their responsibilities for the event.  There is a vast array of teams for which volunteers are always needed.

I will say that it's incredible how a small town Foundation started by Norma Logan and her friend Sandy, has morphed into a Foundation that has raised over $2.4 million, in turn awarding much needed grants to 24 researchers in the field. 

Asked if he would recommend this experience to others, Doug said, “Most definitely; hands down; I would recommend TBBCF from a volunteer and or walker perspective and say if you are not familiar with the Foundation; check out our website www.tbbcf.com; and if you are familiar, don't underestimate the importance of your involvement. You can help continue to make this Foundation successful and ultimately play a huge role in support of TBBCF's mission of eradicating breast cancer. It’s amazing to me to see the group of individuals that volunteer and/or walk year after year, just like me. The feeling I have on the signature Walk day in October; of how proud I am to be a part of this incredible cause and journey, is tremendous.”

On a personal note, says Ellen, I’ve been working with Doug since 2006. Doug has a great sense of humor and a dedication to TBBCF that is untiring. All of you who have walked and volunteered in the past can appreciate how wonderful it is to walk through the balloon arch and see food and massage tents set up, entertainment on stage, tables and chairs to sit and relax those tired feet and an atmosphere of fun to complete your day. Much of it thanks to Doug and his team.