Volunteer Project Leaders Share Their Why
Our ninth annual Day for Doing Good (D4DG) week of global volunteerism kicks off later this week. Learn about a few of our colleagues who are stepping up as project leaders to champion causes they care about.
Regeneron
October 15, 2025
Doing well by doing good is central to our mission at Regeneron. That’s why our colleagues take part in numerous volunteer efforts — most notably, the annual Day for Doing Good (D4DG) event. Below, four D4DG project leaders tell us why they got involved.
Bringing Smiles to the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders
Brian Bourne
Rensselaer, New York
In 2023, I was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. I was in my early 20s but still considered a pediatric case, so I was treated at the Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center.
Here I was in a room covered in superhero decorations with “Paw Patrol” on the TV, but I also saw how they treated every child with such care. I was old enough to understand why treatments made me feel sick to feel better, but try explaining that to a 5-year-old who just wants to play.
I wanted to give back, so I’ve supported the center’s Holiday Shop each winter. This year, I decided to lead Regeneron colleagues in two D4DG projects for Melodies Center: a STEM kit assembly project and hands-on STEM activities for children undergoing treatment. Together, we can put some smiles on kids’ faces.
After interning at Regeneron, I had a full-time start date lined up when I was diagnosed. Regeneron supported me throughout my illness. Our focus on oncology motivates me at work and in giving back.
Caring for Animals at Louisa County Animal Shelter
Erin Bragg
Field
I've helped care for animals for years — dogs and cats but also eagles, bunnies and squirrels. When they wind up in a shelter, they rely on us to nurture them and give them a second chance at finding a family.
My boyfriend is a hunter, and we take pride in caring for his hounds. We live in a more rural area, and some hounds are turned out after the hunting season. The shelter gets inundated and needs extra help right around the time of D4DG.
I’m leading Regeneron colleagues in a remote project that anyone can participate in — baking dog treats they can take to their local shelters.
Regeneron actively encourages us to be good citizens. I love that we look for problems that need solutions. Wherever I can, I try to make things better.
Reviewing Student Resumés at the CUNY School of Public Health
Katrina Mateo
Tarrytown, New York
The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Public Health (SPH) Foundation supports programming to create a skilled, adaptable and diverse public health workforce. I’m a proud alum of the CUNY SPH doctoral program and serve as an advisory board member on the foundation’s Career Skills Academy, which is committed to professional development, especially for underserved students.
While Regeneron isn’t part of the traditional public health sector, we have a fair number of folks with public health backgrounds who bring a unique lens to our work.
Having more public health-trained individuals in biotech/pharma improves how we develop robust studies, reach traditionally underserved populations, create partnerships with community providers, ensure equitable access, and so much more. That’s why I’m hosting a virtual resumé review project supporting students in the Career Skills Academy for the second year in a row.
I’ve benefited from incredible mentors throughout my career. It’s the reason I am particularly committed to giving back and paying it forward through opportunities like this.
Connecting Kids with Books at the Friends of Warner Library Book Sale
Julie Scherrer
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Giving back to communities that Regeneron directly impacts, like Tarrytown, has long been a passion of mine. I find it extremely fulfilling to participate in opportunities that allow me to support the community and connect with people — so they feel seen and know they matter.
Since 2021, I’ve supported the Friends of Warner Library book sale, proceeds from which go toward the library’s programs for children, young adults, non-native English speakers and more.
Regeneron places an emphasis on education, and volunteering at the book sale is a small way for me to be a part of that larger impact.
Seeing the look on kids' faces when they choose their books reminds me of the power of literacy to inspire and transform lives.
Volunteers are essential to the success of the book sale! Those who join my D4DG project will help set up the book sale and create a welcoming space where readers of all ages can find their next favorite book. Volunteering is not only fun, but also a wonderful way to meet people outside of your department.
I’m grateful for the numerous opportunities Regeneron provides employees to make a difference and contribute to meaningful causes such as promoting literacy and fostering community connections.
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