Cynthia Wheeler spent more than 30 years as a public-school teacher working with special needs pre-K students. After retiring from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, she continued supporting children as an infant and toddler developmental specialist at Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center for five years.
A widow with two grown sons, Wheeler found herself with extra time after fully retiring two years ago and decided to give back by volunteering at Broward Health Medical Center.
“There are so many needs in the community, so whatever you’re passionate about, you can find a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you,” she said.
One item on her personal bucket list was becoming part of the hospital’s infant cuddler program. Today, Wheeler volunteers twice a week in the NICU, feeding babies, changing diapers and comforting them.
On Wednesdays she also spends extra time in the pediatric oncology and hematology units, playing games, creating art or simply talking with young patients.
