When Spencer’s mom was diagnosed with cancer, he knew immediately he had to get involved in some capacity. He started shaving his head for pediatric cancer research and hasn’t stopped since.

In college he volunteered as a patient transporter. That work led to a unique opportunity: partnering with Vidant Cancer Care’s Support and Survivorship team to plan “Zooming In On You,” a free day at It’s A Zoo Life in Macclesfield for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Survivors spent the morning with exotic and rare animals in one of eastern North Carolina’s best-kept secrets a day built entirely around lifting spirits and letting people set down the weight of everyday worry. Seeing what that kind of experience meant to patients and families reframed what care could look like beyond the clinic.

From there he joined the pilot team of oncology lay navigators at ECU Health, and the passion for serving patients has only grown. He went on to build a career in medical device and pharmaceuticals, dedicated to making patient impact every day.

Ten years and one Knight Commander rank later, the reason is still the same: kids with cancer deserve a lifetime.

Join him August 18 at the Growler Beach Volleyball Tournament in Raleigh.