Volunteer Spotlight: Doug, Dying to Serve
Volunteer Spotlight • 2 min read • Jun 25, 2025 3:00:00 PM • Written by: Sid Rajan

Doug is traveling the country with one mission: to serve.
After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he made a commitment to volunteer in all 50 states. Alaska was state number 29.
Doug spent the day at Food Bank of Alaska last week, label salmon cans and sharing his story with staff, volunteers, and local media. “If you have the time and the ability to give back, even in a small way, it’s a blessing,” he told reporters. “It doesn’t take much to help.”
He started his journey after his diagnosis in January and since March he's partnering with food banks and nonprofit organizations in each state. Doug says the tour helps him focus on hope, not illness. “This isn’t a bucket list. This is a mission. I’m not dying to check things off. I’m dying to serve.”
His story was recently featured by Alaska’s News Source and Your Alaska Link. Both outlets captured the heart behind Doug’s journey and the impact he’s making across the country.
🔗 Watch the Alaska’s News Source segment
🔗 Read the full Your Alaska Link article
Doug, thank you for reminding us what service really looks like. You brought heart, hope, and purpose into our warehouse. Alaska won’t forget it.
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Sid Rajan
Manager of Volunteer Services, Food Bank of Alaska