All who have ever met Nancy Madsen clearly understand the impact she has had over the past 27 years on American Cancer Society volunteers, associates, patients and survivors. Eternally optimistic, energetic and positive, Madsen has given her all to the ACS and will be greatly missed.
More than 100 guests attended a retirement reception for Madsen at the new Hampton Inn & Suites at Vero’s Miracle Mile to wish her well and to celebrate her contributions as an employee for 15 years and as a 12-year volunteer prior to that.
Theresa Woodson, ACS Senior Market Manager, spoke about Madsen’s legacy but quickly pointed out that although Madsen was retiring, she had already signed up once again as a volunteer. Madsen joked that she still had the name badge given to her when she first began volunteering in 1988.
“It is almost impossible to come up with just one word to describe Nancy. You have been all of this and much more to all of us,” said Woodson, presenting her with a framed board filled with the one-word sentiments co-workers and volunteers said they felt most described her. Woodson also presented her with an inflatable kayak, and husband Kirk Madsen displayed a beautiful quilt made by Sue Bee Quilters that had been sewn using 20 years’ worth of shirts saved from the various fundraising events she was involved with.
“She is absolutely tenacious,” said former board chairman Dr. Rob Callery, who worked with Madsen seven years during Madsen’s term as executive director. “That word is not on the board, but if you asked Nancy to do something and she thought it was right, somehow or some way she absolutely got it done.”
Words such as positive, enthusiastic and committed were among the many sentiments indicating admiration for Madsen and her efforts.
“She always says ‘I’ll take care of that,’ no matter what it is,” said Bill Halliday, a longtime friend and an ACS volunteer. Pointing out the many awards on display recognizing Madsen’s fundraising efforts, he added, “She did have a team behind her but she is a great leader and everyone loved following her.”
Madsen’s affiliation with ACS began while working in radiation therapy at Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce.
“Cleo Stern, a radiologist, asked me to volunteer at Making Strides Against Cancer and it was so much fun I just kept doing it. But I am 66 now and the right age to retire,” said Madsen.
She now plans to work from home with her husband running Nancy’s Plants as a certified grower and seller of Native Plants. She will also continue to volunteer as a Road to Recovery driver, transporting patients to and from appointments and treatments.
“She has done so much for the survivors on the Treasure Coast and she has an incredible heart. The love and care she gives to people is phenomenal,” said Lin Reading, founder and facilitator of Friends After Diagnosis and a volunteer with the Reach to Recovery program. “I think the Treasure Coast has been extremely lucky to have her.”