Any parent who has raised teenagers knows they can be a tough audience. But, for John Rorke, long-time volunteer for Angel Foundation’s Teen Outreach activities, the rewards of reaching out to teens have been enormous.
John is as gregarious as you’d expect someone to be, given his professional background in sales and amateur experience as a stand-up comedian. In his search several years ago for meaningful ways to give back, he realized that he wasn’t fulfilled by making adults laugh with his standup routine. He wanted to make children laugh.
A cancer diagnosis in his family helped lead him to seek volunteer work with children within the cancer community—and eventually to the opportunity at Angel Foundation. He has volunteered at Kids Kamp and the Teen Outreach program the last four years, as well as many other program activities. He also informs groups and individuals about Angel Foundation as a speaker for Angel Foundation’s Speaker’s Bureau.
“I quickly realized that teens were the right group for me to be involved with,” says John. “Teens are not as forthcoming about things. But, I have found that if I get them to laugh, then they will talk.”
For John, this is the most memorable aspect of his volunteer work. “I love seeing the connection made when kids get together for the first time,” he says. “Seeing them open up after they realize that these other kids are going through the same thing that they are is the most powerful.”
Because John is also a musician, he values the opportunity to share his appreciation of the arts with the teen participants. One of his core contributions has been the introduction of a music video project at Kids Kamp which began with the teen group.
As much as teens benefit from this program, they give back in equal measure. Despite the serious business we deal with, says John, “we have a lot of fun together.” He says he has met and formed strong friendships with some really special people. “The experience has added a lot more meaning to my life and has helped me be a better person,” says John.
“I’ve learned a lot from the kids and families,” says John. “ I’ve learned what real strength is—that’s what keeps you coming back.”