Profiles of Volunteers

Marcia Schmier started out as a “friendly visitor” to homebound seniors, but later found herself battling a crooked contractor. The Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service volunteer had been visiting a woman in her late 80’s at home for several years when Hurricane Wilma devastated the elder lady’s home.

“She needed major repairs from water damage, an entire wall needed to be replaced, there was leaking all over the place,” Schmier said. “But my friend was having a problem with the contractor. He took two-thirds of the money for the $9,500 project, and she lives on Social Security and a small pension. Then he wouldn’t start for eight months.”

The lady Schmier visited has macular degeneration and couldn’t read contracts, or write letters.

Then Schmier stepped in. She learned from the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Department, that the contractor had “a very bad reputation.” She stepped up the pressure by e-mailing local newspapers and filing complaints with state and local government. The contractor then showed up for work and completed the job, Schmier said.

Schmier’s career as a volunteer started 11 years ago when she went to a ballet, The Diary of Anne Frank, and saw a video about Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service, the nonprofit social service agency that serves 35,000 people a year, mostly seniors, in south Palm Beach County.

“I called the next day,” said Schmier, a Louisville, Kentucky native, who was a medical records administrator, before retiring to Boca Raton 12 years ago.

On her application form she wrote, “I am a good listener. I have been very fortunate in life and I would like to help those less fortunate.”

Schmier began phoning homebound seniors with cheery conversation. If they appeared to be ill, or had other concerns, she notified RRJFS clinicians.

After four years, Schmier visited a “lovely woman” in her late 90’s at home, who eventually passed away. For the last few years, she’s been visiting the lady whose condo had been damaged by Hurricane Wilma.

“We have really become friends. I bring gifts, food and take her shopping. She calls me when she feels she needs to discuss something,” Schmier said. “She’s a very independent lady, very bright and her memory is better than mine. She wants to be self sufficient and I’m there for her.”

Schmier said, “It almost seems meant to be. My mother’s name was Jean and that’s the name of both the women I have visited. My mother has been dead a long time, being a volunteer to these ladies is almost like a replacement kind of thing. If my mother was alive, I would probably do the same kinds of things for her.”

She added, “I wish there were more people who did this sort if thing. If they knew how rewarding it was to volunteer, how appreciated their efforts are, and how good it makes them feel on the inside, I’m sure they would do it.”

The date was July 1, 1983 when Elsie Bolinger found her way to Holy Cross Hospital to volunteer. So it is truly fitting to honor Elsie as the July Volunteer of the month to mark 23 years of loving and dedicated service. Elsie was one of the original Volunteers who served in the Thrift Shop when it was originally located in Wilton Manors. Lorelei Pelaia, the Volunteer Chairperson of the Thrift Shop, states that “Elsie works twice a week taking care of the linen and household department in the Thrift Shop. She is a lovely lady with special talents!” And Elsie’s co-workers heartily agree saying that “Elsie is an angel who brings things home with her to wash and clean as if it was her own store. She does this without being asked because she cares so much.

According to other Volunteers who work with Elsie, “there are not enough words to describe this wonderful, efficient and loyal lady. She is witty and friendly and very hard working. Serving over 6500 hours in the Volunteer program, Elsie truly embodies the Core Values of Holy Cross Hospital.

Dana Lello is a treasure to Holy Cross Hospital!

Dana first came to Holy Cross in March of 2001. As the lead staff manager for Bell South, she brought her extensive experience in communication, analytical and computer skills with her. She is a wonderful resource who is always willing to share her ideas.

After moving out of the area for a few years, Dana returned to us in July of 2005 and went to work volunteering at the Patient Information Desk. She soon became the Chairperson of the Information Desk and revamped the process of scheduling the seventy Volunteers assigned to serve at the Information Desk throughout the week. In addition to her skills, Dana is supercharged with energy and personality. She is beautiful inside and out!

In addition to her duties as Info Desk Chairperson, Dana has also lent her assistance to numerous special projects. According to Christine Moncrieffe from the Public Relations Department, “Dana lent her time and talent to a rather cumbersome PR project entering data for close to 700 responses from a PR campaign…not only did she do what was required, but she went so far as to offer analysis of the information!” Dana has helped on many other projects and special events and always with a gracious attitude, her beautiful smile and special enthusiasm. She is a gem and we are blessed to have her serving in the Volunteer program.

When there is a job that needs to get done, we give it to our December 2006 Volunteer of the Month, Vincent Fornias. According to Mark Zeininger, associate in the Employment Office, “Vincent works circles around everyone else and is more dependable than the rising sun!

Who else is here seven days a week and is happy to take projects home. We can always count on him to help us whenever we need him – even at a moment’s notice.” Vincent handles ongoing projects for the Print Shop, the Women’s Center, and for Spiritual Care. He posts the Volunteer Service hours to time cards and balances the monthly report. He trains new newspaper Volunteers and new magazine Volunteers. Vincent organizes and assists with the many special projects which occur in departments throughout the year including, but not limited to, the HCMG Administrative office, the Physicians Services department, Human Resources and many special mailings. And Vincent goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure a task has been completed.

Vincent began his volunteer service in June 1993 and has served over 14,000 hours. Perhaps Barbara Rostock, the Volunteer Chairperson for Spiritual Care, expresses it best when she states, “Vincent’s dedication is evident in every duty that he carries out. He is eager, committed and courteous. He takes much pride in all of the activities that he undertakes. His actions consistently reflect the Core Values of Holy Cross Hospital. Vincent is incredibly dedicated with a passion for quality service.”

Von Schlicher has been a Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Volunteer for five years and has donated nearly 4,000 hours of his valuable time. He is a dedicated Disabled American Veterans VAVS Deputy Representative as well as a member of our VAVS Executive Committee. He represents his organization very well and takes his duties very seriously.

He leaves his home at 5:00 a.m. each day to make it to the facility early to greet our patients. I often walk into the hospital with him at 6:30 a.m. as we both get off the Metrorail public transportation system together. He delivers the daily newspapers to the inpatient wards as well as throughout the facility to all outpatient waiting areas. He also has adopted several wards within the hospital to ensure the veterans there have the little extras that make hospitalization more bearable.

He has his own health issues but you would never know it by seeing him with all his enthusiasm. I often wonder where he gets his energy, at his age, to do everything he does for our patients so consistently. When I ask him about it he just says, “I love what I do, I love seeing you girls every morning, it’s what keeps me alive.” In the attached photo you will see him as we celebrated his 86th birthday at the October 2006 Monthly Volunteer Birthday Party.

It makes me very happy to know that there are people in this world who are so committed to helping others in spite of their own concerns. We are truly blessed to have Von Schlicher as a Miami VA Healthcare System VAVS Volunteer and grateful for his dedication in helping us provide better services to our much deserving veterans.

Submitted by Christina A. Bridgeman, Chief, Voluntary and Community Resources Service, Miami VA Healthcare System

“With over 1,000 volunteers at Cape Coral Hospital, it is difficult to single out one individual to highlight during National Volunteer Week,” says Deb Schuyler, Director of Volunteer Resources/Auxiliary Development at Lee Memorial Health System.

“However, I must say that one volunteer in particular really epitomizes the true spirit of being a volunteer … and that’s Bettie Sattler.”

Now in her 20th year of volunteering at Cape Coral Hospital, Bettie exemplifies so many of the traits we see in all our volunteers. She is there to help wherever she is needed … no matter what the call to action might be.

A brief synopsis of her current duties includes being Chairman of the Central Transportation Department for the past 18 years. This department has approximately 75 volunteers covering 2 1/2 shifts per day plus weekends. It is her responsibility to insure that each shift has coverage every day … quite an undertaking. Always busy, a recent count indicated that they covered over 1,000 calls in one week alone.

These volunteers assist the staff by providing wheelchair assistance in general admitting, discharging and central transportation of patients throughout the hospital. Oftentimes a visitor may also require wheelchair assistance. Then there is the delivery of x-rays, MRI’s, IVAC’s, flowers, etc.

Another position Bettie holds is that of Information Desk volunteer. It is here that she meets and greets our visitors. She provides assistance, directions and information to our patients and visitors always with her cheerful, ever-present smile.

She truly reaches out to the community, which brings us to another service she provides … that of Chairman of our Community Outreach service.

As such Bettie gathers a group of volunteers to assist at local health fairs and health screenings. She also serves as coordinator for special events throughout the year which showcase the hospital and its services, such as participation in parades and by giving hospital tours.

As if this were not enough, she is always there to assist in the fund-raising efforts of the Auxiliary. “Fund raising…this I truly love,” says Bettie. “Actually, I enjoy doing everything in the hospital.” And that’s obvious to anyone who knows her.

By showcasing just one of our outstanding volunteers, I hope we have been able to illustrate qualities which ALL of our volunteers possess…the true desire to be of service to our hospital and to the community at large.

We are often the recipients of gifts. By volunteering we are not only the givers of gifts … we become the gift.

Donna Huck has been one of Miami Children’s Hospital’s most devoted volunteer leaders throughout a volunteer career that has spanned 25 years, including thousands of hours of hands-on care and support to children and families. Huck has been a volunteer since 1981. In 1982, she became one of the founding members of the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Community Council, whose purpose is to raise money for the hospital. In 1986, Huck was asked to serve on the Board of MCH, and in 1991, became its chairman.

As an extension of her service to the hospital, Huck is chairman of Radio Lollipop USA, which is part an international charity that establishes and operates in-house radio stations, run completely by volunteers in freestanding children’s hospitals. In 2003, Huck was appointed to the International Board of Radio Lollipop.

For over three years, Huck has served as a volunteer tutor for the A-Step Program, sponsored by local churches and the YMCA. She has developed individual relationships with primary school-aged children, helping them succeed with homework and providing them with friendship and support.

Huck also served on the Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight board, she was responsible for bringing a domestic violence call-in show to a local television station each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Currently, Huck is working with local community women’s groups, who serve as advocates in the area of domestic violence.

“Donna is a skilled leader with a deep-seeded understanding of how to be effective and make things happen within an organization. She accomplishes so much, quietly and without fanfare. Her selfless commitment is an inspiration,” said Thomas M. Rozek, President and CEO of Miami Children’s Hospital.

Donna Huck is an inspirational volunteer leader who has demonstrated tireless commitment to the community. She is one of those extraordinary people who act on their visions, through leadership, raising funds and getting the job done. Miami Children’s Hospital and the community, is most fortunate to benefit from her leadership and generosity of spirit.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Gene Majka is a diploma graduate from Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago. He received his BSN, MS and ARNP from DePaul University in Chicago. Majka has a post-master’s certificate in nursing education from Barry University and is currently in Barry’s doctoral program. His teaching focus is community, public health and mental health nursing. He is past treasurer of Barry’s Sigma Theta Tau, Lambda Chi Chapter, and is currently Secretary for District V of FNA. He volunteers on the Medi-Van in Broward County which serves seniors without health insurance. He is also an HIV/AIDS Instructor for the American Red Cross. Majka is involved in many different organizational committees serving the homeless and migrant workers of South Florida.

Richard Gersley began as a JFK Medical Center volunteer in December of 2000 and has contributed over 4000 hours of service, driving the visitor tram and as an Information Center receptionist. Richard is a retired air traffic controller and because of his past career, Richard is perfectly equipped with the personality and commitment to handle the busiest area of the hospital. His accuracy and patience are exceptional. The information center at the main entrance to the hospital creates for our patients, visitors and staff, the best first impression of JFK Medical Center. Volunteers who hold this position are personally selected based on specific criteria. Richard not only exceeds this criteria but is an excellent teacher and resource person for the twenty other reception volunteers. He was asked to serve as the Chairman of this important service because of his organizational and communication skills. He volunteers an average of 12 hours per week and is the first one to substitute for others when they are absent. Richard resides in Greenacres with his wife. He is the father of five children, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of one.

Helen Reilly, 88, believes that it is a lifelong obligation to volunteer. She began her service to JFK Medical Center as an assistant in the Medical Library in September of 1989 and has contributed over 4200 hours of service. Helen currently volunteers at the Lake Worth Playhouse, the Florida Stage Theater, the Palm Beach County Airport as an Airport Ambassador and she also gives her time at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Helen’s long service to others and her commitment of giving to the community earned her the “Presidential Volunteer Service Award”, this year. This award recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard, measured by the number of hours served over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime. President Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation created this award to recognize the special people that make valuable volunteer contributions throughout the nation. The medical library staff says that “Helen’s commitment, talent and dedication make her the perfect recipient of this prestigious award.

Helen Hall began volunteering in November of 1978 and has contributed over 21,600 hours of service. . This is an amazing accomplishment, beyond what any other volunteer has ever contributed, and her knowledge enhances the entire Volunteer Department. She is a mentor and teacher to many other volunteers. Helen, with her dedication and commitment, has volunteered in nearly all (64) departments of the hospital for over 29 years. Helen says, “I have seen so many wonderful changes with the advancement of technology that I tell everyone that JFK must be their choice for all their medical needs”. Her pride in JFK is contagious. Prior to 1999, Helen served as an officer in all chairs of the JFK Medical Center Auxiliary; President, Vice President, Secretary, and nearly all the chairmanships of the various committees. Helen is the 2002 recipient of the JFK Medical Center Frist Humanitarian Award.

She is proud of JFK and we all take enormous pride in her dedication and commitment. Helen resides in Lake Worth and is also very active in her community. She serves on the Lake Worth Civic Counsel, Lake Worth Women’s Club, The Friends of the Lake Worth Library. Helen has two sons, two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Frank Bretz has been a volunteer at Hospice of Palm Beach County for 9 years.

“My wife was a patient here. I felt there was nothing I could do to repay the marvelous service provided by Hospice of Palm Beach County, so I began to volunteer. I get the most fun out of helping with the orientation of new volunteers. I let them know that – yes – this is a time where you face death and dying, but it is also a way to give of oneself. I constantly tell them that living is giving, and that in volunteering, they’re giving of themselves.”

Paul Burgess, a high school student at St. Thomas Aquinas, has been volunteering at HospiceCare of Southeast Florida since December, 2005. Since joining our volunteer family, Paul has been an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer. He has volunteered at the “Villa” our on-site residential facility, and has participated at our numerous special events. Paul has organized several fundraising events such as neighborhood carol singing and bake sales at his school, all of which have raised money for Camp Coral, Hospice’s complimentary bereavement camp for children ages 6 – 13, and he still manages to find time for studying and hanging out with his friends.

The 2005 Volunteer of the Year for HospiceCare of Southeast Florida, retired nurse, Rusty Hudson, is a familiar face around the HospiceCare offices. She is often seen helping the various departments complete their projects. Rusty is extremely dedicated not only to the staff, but to the patients she is assigned. She is also a crucial member of the 11th Hour program, a specialized volunteer program which trains them to provide comfort to a patient and his or her family during the final stages of life. She goes above and beyond to ensure that their comfort and needs are met. Rusty participates in almost all of HospiceCare’s fundraisers, as well Camp Coral.

A long time volunteer with HospiceCare of Southeast Florida, Sol Block works with patients in the Hollywood and Hallandale areas. In addition to working with patients, he spreads the philosophy and vision of Hospice to others. He is a keen speaker, especially when he is directing his attention to new volunteers who may have a lingering doubt about volunteering at Hospice. His ability to speak in a comforting and honest way, allowing as many questions to be asked by those joining hospice’s volunteer family, has been a true measure of his dedication. The twinkle in his eye and warmth of his smile makes him popular with his patients, so much that when he goes on vacation his patients continuingly ask “when is Sol coming” back.

When Pat Donovan was first approached about volunteering at Martin Memorial, she emphatically declined. She was semi-retired and looking forward to spending time at the pool, exercising and enjoying the proximity to the water.

But the routine soon grew monotonous and Donovan decided to look into joining the Martin Memorial Auxiliary. Eighteen years and more than 28,500 volunteer hours later – the most in the Auxiliary’s 65-year history – Donovan has made her mark not only on the Auxiliary, but the entire health system.

“It seems like it was so long ago, but it wasn’t,” she said. “The hospital has changed quite a bit since I started.”

Donovan’s tenure is notable for more than just her longevity. She has spent most of her time in the Auxiliary as gift shop coordinator, selling flowers and stuffed animals, balloons and souvenirs to hospital patients and their guests. When she started, the gift shop was nothing but a small room with a table or two, tablecloths tossed over them to spruce things up.

Pat Donovan (right) accepts a pin honoring her 28,000 hours of service from Joan Lemke, president of the Martin Memorial Auxiliary.

Slowly but surely, things began to improve at the gift shop, thanks largely to Donovan’s experience running a business with her husband. The shop was expanded and cleaned up. More merchandise was made available. Helium was brought in to inflate balloons. Visa and Mastercard were set up so that customers could pay by credit card.

Soon, the shop became profitable. In the first 10 years Donovan was there, the gift shop made $1 million. This year, the total profits reached $2 million, taking just eight years to earn the second million dollars.

Now closing in on 29,000 hours, Donovan has cut back on her volunteer time – rather than working three days a week, she spends two at the hospital. Still, it is the personal relationships that keep her coming back for more.

“I have some very good friendships because of the people I work with,” she said. “Most of the women are very nice, very wonderful people. It’s been a great experience.”

When Barbara Bush started her tenure with the Martin Memorial Auxiliary in 1978, she was the organization’s youngest member. Nearly 30 years later she has ceded that title, but she has been part of Martin Memorial’s growth from one hospital to an integrated health system that provides services to two counties.

“It’s been a tremendous transformation,” Bush said. “The hospital has more than doubled in size. When I started in the emergency department it was about one-third the size it is now and you did more patient care than you do now – I even helped doctors in the casting room.”

Bush is no stranger to giving back to the community. When she began her relationship with the Auxiliary, she was working as a school assistant principal. Interested in performing community work, she gravitated toward the hospital.

“I was in education and wanted to do something totally different than what I was doing,” Bush said. “I think I was drawn to the medical field and thought it was a great opportunity.”

But her assistance hasn’t been limited just to the emergency department. Through the years she has taken on additional responsibilities and served a term as president of the Auxiliary from 2004-06. That included stints on the boards of directors for the health system and the Martin Memorial Foundation.

And as the health system and communities it serves have grown, so has the Auxiliary. Martin Memorial has more than 800 volunteers and in fiscal year 2006 they amassed 158,598 volunteer hours, or the equivalent of 83 full-time equivalents. The Auxiliary has also raised $650,000 toward a pledge of $1 million in funds for the recently opened Frances Langford Heart Center. And the Auxiliary continued to provide scholarships for area students as well, with $40,000 in financial assistance last year.

“We were engaged in trying to move the Auxiliary to another level and I think we did a good job of that,” Bush said of her tenure as Auxiliary president. “The health system administration really makes you feel like you are a part of things. I think that’s one of the reasons the Auxiliary has thrived, because it has been allowed to be a part of the decision-making process.”

After being settled into his retirement, Alan Danforth was playing golf with a friend and mentioned he had a lot of free time on his hands. His friend, who volunteered with the Martin Memorial Auxiliary, suggested he look into joining the health system’s volunteer group.

That was seven years ago. Today, Danforth works in the Martin Memorial Medical Center emergency department while serving on the Auxiliary board of directors and the scholarship committee.

Danforth – a former vice president of sales for Lee and Perrins, maker of Worcestershire Sauce – decided to work in the emergency department where the action was.

“I didn’t want to just sit around,” Danforth said. “I thought I would do more good in the emergency department.”

Danforth helps the nursing staff by performing an assortment of activities that includes making beds, stocking supply cabinets and linens. They also help patients and their family members when necessary, making sure their needs are met and they are as comfortable as possible.

“It has lived up to everything I thought it would be,” Danforth said. “I feel like I’m helping. The emergency department staff put in long hours, so what we can do as volunteers is help them run errands. It’s taking a load off of them, which allows them to do what they do best.”

Edith Price has been a volunteer at West Boca Medical Center for 21 years, since the hospital opened. She currently volunteers every Friday in the Perioperative area and she is bursting with energy from the moment she walks in until she leaves. She assists with a variety of tasks from comforting patients and delivering lab work to make balloons for children. She lends a hand to everyone in need.

Larry Coomes, West Boca Medical Center COO with Edith Price.

She is a very special, dedicated person who continuously shares a smile and her warm heart with our patients, families, employees and physicians. Edith was recently recognized at a special ceremony for her 21 years of service to the hospital.

Clarence Bloom has volunteered at West Boca Medical Center for the past 15 years and he is the Gift Shop Treasurer. His wife, Ellie, also volunteers in the Gift Shop. On any given day, Clarence can be seen unpacking boxes in the gift shop or poring over the Gift Shop books and making sure all accounts are in order. Besides their regular schedule, he and his wife come in to cover a shift when another volunteer cannot make it.

Clarence Bloom (right) with his wife Ellie.

Always on the go, Clarence is a member of his communities bowling league and a deacon for Glades Presbyterian Church. As a way of giving back, Clarence has donated 56 pints of blood over the years and is working on 57.

The Miami Jewish Home recently honored Hesh Chassen as the 2007 Volunteer of the Year, an award that recognizes outstanding individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. A volunteer since 2003, he drives from Hallandale to the Home three times a week and once a month on Saturday to serve as a Friendly Visitor, using his knowledge of Hebrew, Yiddish, and Torah to do one-on-one visits with residents, many of whom need special attention. Over the years, Hesh has formed close relationships with many of those he visits.

In addition to visiting residents, he utilizes his cantorial experience at weekly Shabbat services around the Home, leads discussion groups, and conducts “sing-along” sessions in the Home’s PACE Center, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Every Wednesday morning, an overflow crowd of residents can be found at the weekly “Coffee Hour” where Hesh helps present a program of vintage songs and lively humor.

A member of the Men’s Club since 2003, he currently serves on its Board of Directors and was honored as its “Mensch of the Month” in October, 2004. Hesh is also Chairman of its newly formed Grants Committee, helping support many of the Home’s departments by providing funds for the development of new and innovative programs. He volunteers at the New Year’s Eve parties sponsored by the Men’s Club.

Hesh holds a degree from the City College of New York and a graduate degree from Teachers College of Columbia University, taught for 35 years in New York and Long Island schools, published a textbook series, and was a professor of graduate studies at Adelphi University. Hesh’s two sons, Mark and Michael, and his four grandchildren take great pride in Hesh’s tremendous work enriching the lives of others with his time and talent.

Bud and Kathy Friedmann are the recipients of the 2007 Miami Jewish Home Volunteer Auxilian Award, in recognition of their exemplary service as both volunteers and members of several of the Home’s support groups.

Years ago, Kathy’s mother Elsi Klein was a patient in the Home’s Rehabilitation Center and then became a tenant of Irving Cypen Tower. At that time, Kathy joined the volunteer force in the Gift Shop and currently works in the Ice Cream Parlor with Bud twice a week. In 2005, Kathy was honored by the Greater Miami Women’s Auxiliary (GMWA) as their Woman of the Year for her dedication to that auxiliary and her overall contributions to the Miami Jewish Home. Kathy is a GMWA Co-President, FOUNDER, member of the Board of Directors, member of the Board of the Douglas Gardens Community Mental Health Center, Trustee of the GMWA and member of the Gift of the Heart Society.

In February 2003, Bud was named “Mensch of the Month” by the Men’s Club support group for his volunteer work at the Home as a Friendly Visitor and in the Ice Cream Parlor. He serves on the Board of the Men’s Club and he and Kathy volunteer at the Men’s Club’s New Year’s Eve party for residents, as well as at the Douglas Gardens Classic each year. Bud also serves on the Board of the Men’s Club and is a member of the Gift of the Heart Society.

Family has always been the cornerstone of their lives. Kathy has three beautiful daughters – Nancy Goldstein, Virginia Posnick, and Suzanne Fink – and Bud has a son, Philip. Together they have seven beautiful grandchildren.

Warren Malkin recently received the 2007 New Volunteer Achiever Award from the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital, where he contributes over 100 hours of his time every month teaching computer classes to residents of the nursing home. Warren began this venture by interviewing each potential student and then grouping them into classes according to their needs and abilities. He loves volunteering at the Home, saying, “The most satisfying aspect to me is the fact that residents who thought their lives were over and that they couldn’t do the simplest of things, find that they can do almost anything that they want on the computer, including communicating with their families by email. Their whole outlook, attitude and interests have changed and there is now something for them to look forward to.”

Always wanting to enrich his community, Warren also coaches a beginning computer class for seniors at FIU. Born in Washington, D.C., Warren graduated from George Washington University and served in the National Security Agency where he learned Chinese Mandarin and was sent to Japan as a Translator/Interpreter. After his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Washington and operated several businesses. In 1977 the family moved to Miami and Warren is currently licensed as a Florida real estate broker. Family is very important to Warren. He has two daughters – Stephanie Dutch and Robyn Perlman – two sons – William Perlman and Wesley Malkin – and six grandchildren.

Ann Forney began volunteering at Palms West Hospital on July 10, 1992. Through the end of January 2007, Ann has logged 16,165 hours as a volunteer. Her current position is that of an Admitting Clerk Assistant in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, two full days a week. She volunteers 8-10 hours each day and stays longer if needed. Her genuine smile, caring and compassionate demeanor, and soft-spoken reassuring manner offer comfort to both patients and families as they enter the ASU.

Besides being a hospital volunteer, Ann has always been a community volunteer and activist. Her dedication, willingness to help others, going above and beyond what is expected, and sincere appreciation of all people of all ages, makes Ann a leader in all of her endeavors. As a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Red Cross, Ann furthered her motto to help others in their time of need. She assisted the Red Cross in fundraising and has also served as a neighborhood fundraiser for Heart, Cancer and Alzheimer’s organizations. FOPA (Fraternal Order of Police Associates) is lucky to have Ann as one of its members. Her volunteer duties include personally assisting police families in time of need or stress. She also helps with special events such as teaching children about bicycle and helmet safety and etching cars as a theft deterrent. Her faith family at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church can also count on Ann to be there for special events, dinners and parties to assist and direct events as needed.

Joyce Smith, Volunteer Coordinator, writes “It is my pleasure and honor to have such a dynamic, energetic and remarkable woman as Ann Forney among the cadre of volunteers at Palms West Hospital. We all enjoy her sense of humor, her winning smile and notice the respect and admiration she receives from the staff, patients and other volunteers. She is a motivation to us all with her compassion and involvement, not only in the hospital but in the community as well. All who know Ann are thankful and proud to be counted as a friend of such an inspirational lady.”

Ann is this year’s recipient of The Frist Humanitarian Award. The Frist Humanitarian Award is given annually to the employee and volunteer at every HCA hospital that have epitomized the extraordinary spirit and care for the welfare of their patients, fellow staff and community. The award was established in recognition of the philanthropy and humanitarianism of one of the founders of HCA, Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. In Dr. Frist’s memory, nominees are selected in each of the 180 healthcare facilities that make up the company, with ultimately two individuals being chosen for the company-wide honor of Frist Award recipients.

Karen has been a volunteer at Broward General for 14 years. Karen is a dedicated member of the Broward General Medical Center’s Auxiliary. When you speak of Karen two words come to mind dedicated and faithful. Karen is one of the faithful volunteers of our Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. Karen has become a great asset to our Child Life Program. Karen spends her time reading to the kids in the playroom as well as doing arts and crafts with them. Karen begins all of her volunteer shifts at 6:30AM in the morning. At this time of day she can be found assisting the Guest Relations Department with making guest passes and helping visitors get to the registration area for their procedures. She has been described by the Guest Relations Department as a great asset and an acknowledgement for all she does is long overdue. Karen we want you to know that you are our Shining Star!!!!!

Jeanann is a very dedicated and compassionate volunteer at Broward General Medical Center. Jeanann has been a volunteer in our Hospice Unit for over two years. Jeanann has been a valuable resource in our Hospice Unit. Jeanann has the ability to connect with families and is able to comfort them during there time of need. Jeanann often sits with patients and helps them in whatever way she can. She can often be found during meal time assisting the staff in ensuring everyone has eaten. Jeanann has become more than just a volunteer to the hospice unit she has become part of there family. Many times patients that don’t have family there with them have asked Jeanann to sit with them. Jeanann has never declined. Jeanann is truly a shining Volunteer at BGMC.

Norma Altidore has volunteered in excess of 200 hours of volunteer service with Broward General Medical Center in 2006. In that time Norma worked diligently in the Chris Everett Children’s hospital as a pediatric volunteer. In her time here she has helped to coordinate monthly orientations for new volunteers, and worked on the floor working with our pediatric patients. In addition to volunteering on the floor Norma went above and beyond to assist the hospital on several projects. Norma assisted with recruitment by volunteering to assist with the recording of a radio spot which received air play on HOT 105.

Norma is a visionary and is totally committed to everything she does. Norma created a program for our Child Life unit called “Love Unconditional”. Through this program volunteers are able to spread warm cheer to our patients even when they are not here physically. She obtains this by making cards and sending them to the pediatrics unit on a monthly basis. This shows our patients that we are thinking of them even when we are not here and that I volunteers love our patients and the work they perform unconditionally.

Janet Reichler joined the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach as a member of the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach Volunteer Service in 2003 and has recorded over 800 hours of service. After serving with distinction in assignments within the facility’s Employee Health Unit and Medical Administration Service, she graciously accepted an opportunity to join the Patient Advocate Team located within the Office of the Medical Center Director in the Spring of 2005.

The Patient Advocate Office of the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach functions as a central resource for veteran patients and their families seeking assistance related to a variety of issues involving problem resolution. Based on the wide range of services offered and the high volumes of patients treated at the Medical Center, the Patient Advocate Office serves as a vital component of our system to ensure optimal satisfaction and access to information and services provided.

In her capacity as a volunteer advocate, Janet functions as both office receptionist and facilitator related to telephone and walk in contacts within the Advocate Office. Her extensive background in home healthcare and pharmacy is an invaluable resource in triaging complex issues for referral to the Patient Advocates and Medical Center C.A.R.E. (Connect, Appreciate, Respond, and Empower) Partner which serve as customer service coordinators throughout the facility. Her capacity for consistently managing a large volume of challenging issues with professionalism and efficiency while sustaining a sparkling personality and inviting smile is always complemented by an unwavering ability to speak from the heart while conveying compassion, understanding, and exemplifying the Medical Centers primary mission of “Serving America’s Veterans”.

Doris Fishler joined the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach as a member of the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach Volunteer Service in 2006 and has recorded over 400 hours of service. Her late husband was a resident in the Extended Care Facility and this is where you will now find Doris actively donating her time. She sees this as an opportunity to give back. She enjoys having the opportunity to increase the quality of life of the veterans who are receiving their health care at this facility.

Fishler is a multi-talented volunteer as she is one of the first people to greet the residents each morning, the one who passes out the water to rooms each day, and the one you may find giving a listening ear to those family members who may have some special concerns. On any given day, this very special volunteer is the one to make the veterans laugh, as well as the staff with her genuine sense of humor she brings to the unit. In her capacity as a volunteer, Fishler exemplifies the Medical Center’s primary mission of “Serving America’s Veterans”.

I would like to acknowledge my volunteer Sylvia Rachlin. She has been my assistant and right hand “man” since I started here in the Employee Health office at Coral Springs Medical Center in 1992. She and I have been together from the start; almost 15 years now. My original office was very small and every week Sylvia would get a small table and sit outside my office to help me. We both have moved up to a larger office and she now has her own desk! She is a filer extraordinaire; she knows the Employee Health department inside and out!

Sylvia is very independent 85 year old strong woman and knows exactly what needs to be done in the office. Starting in 1992, Sylvia donated a minimum of 5 hours per week and then in 2004 she started coming in 2 days/10 hours for most weeks. She has volunteered over 4000 hours!

Some of her duties have included filing, making packets for the employees, creating chart packets, puling term files, etc.

I could not have done all that my job required over the years without Sylvia’s help. She a wonderful person and a true joy to have around! She deserved any and all acknowledgements and I am very lucky and proud to have known her all these years!

Submitted by Janice Neubauer, Employee Health Nurse Practitioner.

Many may think that at 90 years old, its time to sit back and let life take its course. But for one very youthful 90-year-old volunteer here at Coral Springs Medical Center, it means unselfishly dedicating herself to helping others while always seeking new lessons to learn. For the past 15 years, Marie Long has diligently committed herself to a set schedule of simultaneously providing clerical support to various departments in the hospital, including Marketing, Community Education and Pharmacy – totaling to more than 8,000 volunteer hours. Her aptitude and passion for the latest computer technology have earned her the distinction of being the only volunteer with her own desk and computer. The more complicated the assignment, the more delighted she is!

But besides her incredible talent for computers, she is truly a vivacious individual with a zest for life and an incredible work ethic. Her relentless energy and her constant drive for self improvement have a great impact on those she comes in contact with on a daily basis. It’s difficult to do her justice on paper as you can only experience her inspiring spirit by interacting with her. It’s her positive outlook and motivation to keep learning that really brings home her life motto—youth is in the mind not the age. “It’s a shame that there are so little hours in a day and so much to be learned,” is what she constantly says. “I do have a full social life as well as a volunteer life. Now at the age of 90, every day is a gift. God has surely blessed me with the ability and health to do for others. My volunteer work at the hospital is an important part of my life. It means everything to me.” These are the words of a truly inspirational and well respected lady who is surely to one day leave a legacy not only in our hospital but also within the community.

Volunteering for Hospice Gives Helen Streich Life

Helen Streich has a mission, and she lives it five days a week as a volunteer for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Miami-Dade County. In five years, the 78-year-old Sunny Isles Beach resident has put in thousands of hours providing comfort, care and support to terminally ill patients and their families at our VITAS inpatient unit at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. Helen does everything from stocking rooms to singing to patients.

Monday through Friday, Helen starts her volunteer shift at 7:45 a.m. She stops in the patients’ rooms to make sure they’re comfortable and that each room is stocked with supplies “so the nurses don’t have to do it. I want to help as much as I possibly can,” she says.

“I work alongside the nurses when they treat a patient; I know what bandages and other supplies they need and I make sure those things are in the room,” she says. “I never dreamed I would be proficient in handling patients. I just asked the nurses to let me help. I wanted to do hands-on service.”

Along with supporting nursing staff, Helen provides comfort to patients and families. She knows how to talk to family members because she’s been there—Helen’s husband of 22 years, Irving, died in 2002 as a VITAS patient.

“My husband was placed on the VITAS program just one week before he died,” she says. “It was so helpful to us, but I wish we had been told about hospice earlier in his illness.

“When Irving died I was completely lost,” she recalls. “I stood in my living room and said, ‘What do I do now?’ The first thing that came to mind was to see if I could get into the VITAS volunteer program. People need to know about hospice and how it can help them. I felt like I had something to offer to other people who were going through what I went through.”

Today Helen encourages family members to talk to their loved one about good times they have had together. If they have a dog, she suggests they bring it for a visit. “Most families are very frightened. They don’t know what to expect or what hospice is about. I tell them I’ve been there; I’m speaking from my heart and my own experience.”

Helen pays special attention to patients. She’ll offer to comb their hair and brings a mirror to the bed “so they can see how nice they look.” She prays with patients who request it, and often sings to them.

“I’m not much of a singer,” she confesses, “but I’ll hold patients’ hands and ask if they’d like to sing with me. I tell them if it happens to be a patriotic day, and I’ll sing patriotic songs. I sing ‘Amazing Grace,’ which patients love. Sometimes a patient will hum with me, or all of a sudden become alert and start looking around. I think the music is very important to them.”

Helen believes she gains more than she gives as a VITAS volunteer. “It’s given me a purpose in life; every day I have somewhere special to go. I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. I just love what I do.”

Submitted by Cathy Agosti, volunteer manager for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Miami-Dade County, can be reached at (305) 690-4765.

For These Volunteers, Warm & Fuzzy Comes Naturally

Jana Thomas knows first-hand the therapeutic value of dogs. Disabled and wheelchair-bound, the 50-year- old Pembroke Pines resident has been a dog lover, trainer of show dogs and pet therapy volunteer for more than half her life. For 14 of those years, Jana and her dogs have shared their love with terminally ill patients as part of Paw Pals(sm), a volunteer program at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Broward County that brings pets to the bedsides of terminally ill patients and their families.

“I know what the dogs have done for me. They’ve kept me going this long. I don’t know where I’d be without them” says Jana. “It’s the same when I take them to visit people. They bring such joy and happiness.”

VITAS Paw Pals(sm) and their owners visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, inpatient hospice units and private homes, providing hospice patients with comfort and a bright spot in their day. Research shows that people become more active and responsive during and after an animal visit.

Jana volunteers for VITAS not only by bringing her pets for patient visits but also by serving as a Paw Pals(sm) tester. All VITAS Paw Pals(sm) dogs are evaluated to be certain they have the temperament, training and grooming to be successful pet therapy volunteers.

“I observe the dogs and their owners during facility visits at least three times,” she says. “I ensure that the dog is well behaved and knows how to interact with patients. I make sure the animals aren’t frightened by wheelchairs and walkers, don’t bark and don’t jump.”

Jana was introduced to the VITAS Paw Pals(sm) program through a friend who is also a VITAS volunteer. Jana had been a pet therapy volunteer and tester in nursing homes; she knew her dogs would bring joy and relaxation to hospice patients and their families. They have been beloved visitors to the VITAS inpatient hospice unit at Memorial Hospital Pembroke since 1993.

“We visit with patients, their loved ones, even the staff. We’re there for the whole family,” says Jana. “Petting an animal relaxes people and lowers blood pressure. I’ve also found that people who are withdrawn will start talking to the dogs. Then they’ll talk to me, and finally to the staff. Dogs open up so many doors for people; they bring back memories of a dog the patient had as child. Every time I visit, I hear a story like that. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been a Paw Pals(sm) volunteer for so long.”

Jana has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of VITAS patients and families. As a tester she recognizes the strengths of human Paw Pals(sm) volunteers. By the time they take volunteer orientation, they know how to bring warmth and wagging tails to patients.

Paw Pals(sm) reach patients other volunteers can’t: If a stroke patient can’t speak, he or she can still receive and give unconditional love to a therapy dog. Paw Pals(sm) often remind Alzheimer’s patients of a time when they were healthier and younger.

Visits also can leave family members with pleasant memories during a difficult time. Jana recalls her first visit to the VITAS unit:

“I stopped in a patient’s room and asked the husband if his wife would like to have a visit with Pogo, my Shetland sheepdog,” she says. “He said that they’d never had animals and he didn’t think she’d be interested. But I could see that she was interested, so I asked if I could just put the dog on her bed. The woman immediately put her arms around Pogo and held him for 15 minutes or more. She passed away the next day. Her husband later said that it was the first time in three years he had seen her smile.

“He has that memory of her smiling,” Jana adds. “This is what pet therapy does; it brings hope to people.”

Submitted by Anne Warren, volunteer services manager for VITAS Innovative Hospital Care® of Broward County, can be reached at (954) 777-5396.

They Also Serve Who Only Sit and Type

There are all kinds of healthcare volunteers; everyone has something to offer. Hospice volunteers use a variety of skills for the benefit of terminally ill patients and their families. They visit, listen to and comfort patients and families; make phone calls to bereaved family members; assist staff with patient care; sing to patients and even bring specially trained Paw Pals(sm) for patient visits.

But not everyone wants to help at the bedside. Hospice volunteers also help patients and families by supporting administrative staff in VITAS offices throughout South Florida.

Those whom I know best, the 60 volunteers who give their time to VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Palm Beach County, generally are not aware of the value of their talents. “Oh, I just sit and listen to the patients,” one will say, or, “I only help in the office a bit.” Selma Spivack is one such volunteer. Modest, self-effacing and tireless, she is one of the unsung heroes who uses a lifetime of experience to help in whatever way she can.

Selma, a retired Internal Revenue Service employee, uses her business and organizational skills at the Palm Beach office to perform administrative and bookkeeping tasks. Often Selma devotes herself to handling the donations that come through the Palm Beach office for the VITAS Hospice Charitable Fund, a national foundation to improve the end-of-life experience for patients and families. Selma is a warm and grateful voice on the phone with donors, acknowledging gifts and notifying families when memorial donations are made in the name of deceased VITAS patients.

When the 72-year-old Boynton Beach resident began her volunteer career with VITAS two years ago, she knew she wanted to provide administrative support.

“I was interested in seeing if my work experience would fit at VITAS,” she says, adding that she heard about VITAS though a friend. “I’ve always enjoyed clerical work and wanted to support the people in the office. It is especially rewarding when I help with donations to the VITAS Hospice Charitable Fund; I know it is a very good cause.”

Selma has chosen not to work with patients directly, but her work touches patients and families every day. Administrative work is one of the many important roles VITAS volunteers take on.

“I feel as if I’m helping the staff get more done,” says Selma. “I like that I’m doing something here in the office. And if friends want to get together or I need to make a doctor’s appointment, I always say, ‘Not on my VITAS day.’ I look forward to coming in and helping. And I’m totally dedicated to VITAS.”

Submitted by Doug Arbuckle, volunteer services manager for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Palm Beach County, can be reached at (561) 733-6332.