Richard Averitte calls himself a “career volunteer.” Today, he leads as Executive Director for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Central & Eastern North Carolina—bringing decades of hands-on service to research, advocacy, and patient support. In this powerful conversation, Richard shares his personal “why,” the realities of rebuilding post-pandemic volunteer programs, how Hope Lodge changes lives, and why cancer screening must become a habit—especially for men and younger adults.
This episode is part of a special November series on the Power of Giving.
Episode Takeaways:
-Why volunteer roots create resilient nonprofit leaders—and how “time, talent, treasure” makes impact tangible
-ACS’s three pillars in action: research, patient support (Hope Lodge, 1-800-227-2345), and advocacy
-The purgatory of disparities: rural access, Black/Latine mortality gaps, and making screening equitable
-Hope Lodge (Greenville, NC): a home-away-from-home that eases financial, emotional, and caregiver burden
-Rebuilding Road to Recovery and other volunteer programs after COVID
-“Be like water”: adapt to the environment; cancer doesn’t pause—neither can we
-Practical ways to help: get screened, volunteer, donate, and share ACS’s 24/7 helpline
About Our Guest — Richard Averitte
Richard Averitte is the Executive Director for the American Cancer Society in Central & Eastern North Carolina. A lifelong volunteer turned nonprofit leader, Richard has served across ACS roles—from board service and Relay For Life training to regional advocacy—always with hands in the work. Anchored by his mother’s breast cancer journey, his leadership centers on equity in screening and care, rebuilding community programs, and stewarding donor trust so that 81¢ of every dollar advances ACS’s mission.
Connect with Richard / American Cancer Society
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardaveritte/
🌐 Learn & Give: https://www.cancer.org/
📞 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-227-2345
🏠 Hope Lodge (Greenville, NC): Find the Greenville location via Programs & Services → Lodging at cancer.org
🚗 Volunteer (Road to Recovery, events, more): See Get Involved at cancer.org
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
Connect with Dr. Shabbir
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking
🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/
📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
❌ Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.
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Content Note
This episode includes discussion of cancer, screening, caregiver strain, health disparities, and post-pandemic rebuilding.
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