South West Illinois News

For community development manager Olivia Majerchin, becoming a part of the American Cancer Society (ACS) was a personal undertaking.

“I have wanted to work for ACS so that we can continue to fund cancer research and cures,” Majerchin told SW Illinois News. “My mom had breast cancer, my uncle had prostate cancer, and one of my best friends had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thankfully, they are all survivors, but I’ve also lost too many people to this horrible disease. I don’t want anyone else to have to lose their lives or suffer because of cancer. I always say, I hope to one day be out of a job. That would mean we have cured cancer and no one would have to deal with cancer and the side effects that come with it.”

Majerchin was hired as community development manager for ACS in November 2018. Part of her job involves planning and implementing Relay for Life events in Southern Illinois, including Randolph County.

American Cancer Society Community Development Manager Olivia Majerchin

“Cancer has affected many people in the county, and the event is a good way for people to come together to support survivors and remember those we’ve lost,” Majerchin said. “I hope to increase awareness, participation and revenue for each of my events. The more people we can get involved in Relay, the more people we can help with their cancer journeys. I am proud of the amount of money my teams and I have raised that will go directly toward helping patients, caregivers and families dealing with cancer. Without that revenue, we wouldn’t be able to continue helping those that need us.”

Besides the Relay for Life events, Majerchin recruits volunteers to help promote the ACS mission of freeing the world of cancer.

“I have an amazing team that I work with,” she said. “My favorite part is getting to know everyone in the communities I’m involved with, and raising money to continue funding lifesaving research and free programs and services for patients, survivors and their families.”

Majerchin was born and raised in Streator and currently lives in Mt. Vernon. She holds a degree in recreation, sport and tourism management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has previously served as executive director of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in Mt. Vernon and a campaign specialist for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in St. Louis. Additionally, Majerchin is a dedicated member of the community.

“I try to help as many organizations as I can, either through donations or volunteering,” she said. “I prepare meals for those less fortunate in my community, and also volunteer at Hope Lodge (a free place to stay during treatment funded by ACS) by providing meals to cancer patients and caregivers that stay there.”

Majerchin also enjoys hiking with her husband and their German Shepherd, going to Rend Lake and the Shawnee National Forest, and working in her garden.