SKIRVIN-ORR

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Nashua’s Robert Skirvin-Orr was selected as a 2020 New England Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for his commitment to the Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital.

As part of this recognition, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation will be making a $5,000 donation to support TeamWalk for CancerCare.

A hair stylist by trade, Skirvin-Orr wanted to contribute his talents to the Cancer Center’s Wig Boutique through the “Look Good, Feel Better” program. In 2012 he started volunteering his time, working with more than 50 patients annually, helping them to select and customize the perfect hair prosthesis to fit the patient’s individual needs and style. Skirvin-Orr has worked with the goal to make each patient feel beautiful and confident during their diagnosis or recovery.

To support fundraising efforts for this program, he created a fashion show fundraiser known as the CatWalk for Cancer Care. During its inaugural year, the event was held in the hospital auditorium, raising $3,000.

Over the next several years, Skirvin-Orr engaged a committee of community volunteers, forged relationships with major retailers and sponsors and turned the CatWalk for Cancer Care into the hospitals “event of the year.” Serving as the auctioneer and emcee, he orchestrates an inspirational event for cancer survivors, patients and their families and supporters. The event has now raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of TeamWalk for CancerCare.

“Volunteering teaches us that together we can make a difference,” Skirvin-Orr said. “I volunteer at Lowell General Hospital because you never know when you will make a profound difference in someone’s life, those around them, as well as your own.”

Skirvin-Orr has remained active as a volunteer during the pandemic, helping to coordinate virtual fundraising experiences. His enthusiasm, creativity, sense of humor and generous spirit are unmatched and his impact on patients and the Cancer Center are immeasurable.

“There is no I in team so I would like to thank the CatWalk for CancerCare team,” Skirvin-Orr said. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

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