Volunteer Profiles

Susan Dyall

After spending her career as a teacher in Pennsylvania, Susan Dyall was looking for a new and different way of giving back to the community when she moved to the Treasure Coast in 1997.

So after being here for a year Dyall responded to a newspaper ad seeking volunteers with the Martin Memorial Auxiliary. She responded and began her tenure as an ombudsman in the Martin Memorial Medical Center emergency department before becoming a front desk receptionist at the Medical Center. Twelve years later she not only is still at the front desk, she is preparing to begin her tenure as vice president of the Auxiliary.

“I wanted something completely different from education and I got it,” Dyall said. “This is a way of giving back to the community, but the hospital also does a very good job of supporting the volunteers and appreciating them.”

Dyall still uses the skills she honed as an educator when working with people – many of whom are often undergoing tremendous stress when visiting a hospital.

“So many people who come in and seem upset because they have a sick relative, or because they’re not feeling well,” she said. “Really, they often just want someone to listen. I’ve found that the public is very gracious, even in the worst situations.”

Shelley Guerard

Shelley Guerard has only been with the Martin Memorial Auxiliary for five years, but she has played an integral role in the organization’s operations during that time.

Guerard began volunteering in the pharmacy and served with the guest relations team as well. She has also served as the organization’s assistant treasurer, the recording secretary and the president elect for the past two years.

This April she takes on another new job description: president of the Auxiliary.

“It’s very important to me to have a really good hospital in the community,” Guerard said. “I want to help make that happen.”

Guerard is certainly qualified to take a leadership role: She spent 36 years in the telecommunications industry, retiring from Verizon as vice president of network performance assurance.

After moving around from offices in New Jersey, Virginia and Texas in her career, Guerard became a full-time resident of Stuart in 2003. Now she is focusing on her desire to enhance health care access to residents of the Treasure Coast through the Auxiliary.

“I think it is wonderful how the people in the Auxiliary give of themselves,” she said. “I really enjoy working with everyone in this organization. It’s nice to have an opportunity to give back to the community.”

Jerry Gotkin

Smithsonian-catalogued artist and photographer, Jerry Gotkin has been donating his time and talents to Hospice by the Sea, Inc. as a dedicated volunteer for many years. Jerry lost his beloved wife and recognized artist, Marjorie, in the care of Hospice by the Sea over 10 years ago. Since then, Jerry has dedicated countless hours to this not-for-profit organization in appreciation of the compassionate care Marjorie received. Jerry gives back by creating unique photographs and tile creations of the tropical gardens surrounding the organization’s care center in Boca Raton, including a unique collection of personalized keepsake and music boxes, which are available for purchase to benefit Hospice by the Sea.

Jerry has earned critical acclaim for his modern impressionistic style. As a painter and illustrator, he has rendered portraits, still life photos, and land-, sea-, and cityscapes in oil, pastels, pen and ink, and sumi watercolors and his portfolio has expanded to include fine art photography.

Jerry and Marjorie’s portfolios containing reproductions of the talented couple’s work have been catalogued in the Smithsonian Institution’s American Art and National Portrait Gallery Library in Washington, D.C.

Jerry’s collection is currently on display at Hospice by the Sea’s care center in Boca Raton and has been displayed at the Anchor Gallery at Northern Trust in Boca Raton, as well as the gallery at the Delray Beach Branch of Northern Trust.

Mary Ciulla

Mary Ciulla, former local business owner, has given her time to Hospice by the Sea, Inc. since May of 2007. Mary quickly became an essential part of Hospice by the Sea’s team of volunteers when she first offered her assistance. Mary began volunteering two (2) days per week at Hospice by the Sea’s in-patient unit in Boca Raton and would also visit patients receiving care in the community. In addition to assisting patients and families, Mary became a volunteer trainer, providing hands-on training in the care center to new volunteers. Although Mary does not drive, she utilizes public transportation or accepts a ride from her friends or family to consistently arrive on time for her “shift” at Hospice by the Sea. She is always willing to fill in for other volunteers and is always eager to help patients and families whenever she can. In 2009 alone, Mary contributed over 670 volunteer hours to the organization. Mary Ciulla is a truly special volunteer and always arrives at Hospice by the Sea with a compassionate heart and comforting smile.

Helen Bernsteen

Helen Bernsteen has been a volunteer with West Boca Medical Center since March 1987. Helen initiated our Friendly Visitor program, and has trained every Friendly Visitor volunteer since the inception of the program. Helen volunteers twice a week and begins each day on our Post Partum unit where she offers a souvenir calendar to the moms so they can document the new baby’s milestones throughout their first year of life. She also brings a coloring book and crayons to any older siblings so they don’t feel like the new baby is getting all the attention. Many of the moms remember Helen’s smile from the births of their other children and are thrilled to have the calendar for the new baby.

Once Helen is finished with the Post Partum unit, she then moves on to our Adult inpatient units. She visits each patient and spends time visiting. She always asks what she can do to make the patient more comfortable. Often, all they want is a friendly face to talk to and be distracted from the fact they are in a hospital even for a short time.

Helen is no stranger to service. Prior to joining the volunteer team at WBMC, Helen was a volunteer for 23 years at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY. We are lucky this kind and generous woman chooses to share herself with the patients at WBMC.

Doris Ulacia

After a long career in banking, Good Samaritan Medical Center volunteer Doris Ulacia was looking to interact with people in a different setting. Doris has been with the hospital for more than a year and has become a great asset in OP Registration. Her duties have multiplied exponentially since becoming part of the team, and she spends a tremendous amount of time serving the hospital’s patients. In fact, the Good Samaritan staff has come to count on Doris so much that they often ask if she’s coming in even when they know she’s not scheduled.

Doris’ pleasant and professional demeanor is the perfect formula for welcoming patients and visitors to the diagnostic center. No matter the situation, whether it’s playing detective to determine the reason for a patient’s visit or performing any of the various duties at the reception desk, Doris remains unflappable as she strives to ensure each patients needs are met upon arrival.

Volunteering has offered Doris the opportunity to make new friends, as well as connect with old ones. She’s truly a lifesaver at the hospital.

Dick Post

Dick Post is a volunteer in the oncology unit at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Once a week, Dick comes to visit with the oncology patients and spends time with them and their families. As a cancer survivor who has been in remission for 11 years, Dick chose to volunteer after retirement because he believed that God spared his life for something meaningful. In 2005, he began volunteering at Good Samaritan in order to help cancer patients through the difficult process.

Dick’s experience with cancer has allowed the patients he works with to feel an immediate connection. The moment he tells a patient that he is a cancer survivor, the patient knows that he can truly understand what he or she is going through. Dick has touched the lives of several patients, including two terminally ill individuals. Dick came to visit both patients daily, offering support for them and their families. One of the patient’s family members remarked to staff that it was great for patients to meet with someone who is also a survivor.

Volunteering has not only impacted the lives of Good Samaritan patients, for Dick, it has given him comfort as a cancer survivor.

Donna Bertinelli

“Having Hospice care for my parents, allowed me for the first time in 15 years to focus on being a family member and not a caregiver. If I can give this gift in some small way, as a volunteer, to even just one patient or their family, the reward is infinite. At the end of the day, I almost feel selfish with the gratification I take away from each experience.” – Donna Bertinelli

Moved by the genuine compassion and professionalism everyone at Hospice of Palm Beach County showed during the times her parents were in the care of the organization, Donna Bertinelli knew she wanted to do her part to help others in the organization’s care. When the new Professional Volunteer program began in late 2009, she knew as a Licensed Massage Therapist this was the perfect opportunity for her. “By providing palliative massage to patients, I am helping to alleviate some of the discomfort they are experiencing and helping them to relax,” said Donna. In addition to providing her professional services, Donna also assists with special events and even the new employee wellness program where she is teaching meditation to staff.

George Trainor

In 2002 George Trainor joined the volunteer program at Hospice of Palm Beach County. It was with encouragement from his wife, a nurse with the organization, that he decided to give it a try. “I began working in the resale shops, then helped with administrative duties, but it wasn’t until I started visiting patients that I truly found my calling,” said George. Today, George visits 3 patients per week. “I feel this is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Most of the patients I visit have incredible stories. It is fascinating to just sit with them and listen. Sometimes we play games, sometimes we go to the store, but most of the time we just talk.” In addition to visiting patients, George is a mentor to the organization’s newest volunteers. “Not only do I have an incredible opportunity to assist a family at their time of greatest need, but I also get to help new volunteers by sharing my experiences with them.” When asked what he would like to share with those considering volunteering for a hospice organization, George had this to say, “Join the program as early as possible. This is truly the most rewarding work anyone can do.”

Lorelei Pelaia

Lorelei Pelaia began volunteering at Holy Cross Hospital in 1960, turning her relaxing retirement years into more than 60,000 hours of spirited volunteer service. She has served in many capacities, including three terms as president of the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary, assisting with patients and working in the former coffee shop. Lorelei initiated the hospital’s first surgical waiting area and spearheaded many fundraising efforts for projects such as the Holy Cross conference center, convent, emergency room, cancer center, Gallagher Building and much more. The hospital’s Pink Lady Thrift Shop has evolved through three relocations under Lorelei’s chairmanship, and has gone from generating $40,000 a year to more than $130,000 annually in profits. As a living tribute to Lorelei, the hospital’s gift shop has been renamed as “Lorelei’s Gift Shop.” Lorelei’s value to Holy Cross Hospital is immeasurable. Giving generously of her time and talent, Lorelei is well known throughout the Holy Cross community for her kindness, caring and special devotion to the hospital and its mission.

Dana Lello

Dana Lello was named Holy Cross Hospital’s 2009 Volunteer of the Year for all of her hard work and dedication to the Holy Cross family. She began volunteering at Holy Cross Hospital several years ago, bringing extensive communication, analytical and computer skills with her from her position as lead staff manager at Bell South. Dana quickly became a valuable asset to the Holy Cross Patient Information Desk, where her work landed her the honor of becoming volunteer chairperson for guest relations. In that position, Dana completely revamped the scheduling process for more than 80 volunteers serving at the hospital’s information desk. Seeing a need for administrative help in the Holy Cross office of volunteer services, Dana now serves four days a week assisting with office duties and procedural streamlining efforts. She has also worked on many special projects and events over the years, including the annual volunteer appreciation luncheon. Dana’s positive attitude and upbeat personality mirror her many professional talents. She is the true embodiment of the core values of Holy Cross.

Nancy Wall

Nancy Wall started volunteering at Palms West Hospital in 2001 and was recently named this years’ Frist Humanitarian Award Winner. She volunteers two days each week in our PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) and has accumulated a total of 3,024 hours of volunteer time at Palms West. In PACU Nancy is a vital member of the team; she does everything from answer phones to just holding a patient’s hand, she does whatever she is needed to do. Nancy is adored by the nurses in PACU, who truly appreciate the dedication and good spirit she brings to the unit each day she volunteers.

In addition to her volunteer hours at Palms West, Nancy also donates much of her time to helping others in the community. Nancy volunteers her time in many capacities, but her main focuses are: helping disabled students and adults, volunteering through her church, and conducting fundraisers of clothing and shoes to provide for children in low income areas.

When asked why she volunteers, Nancy says she does so much for other people because having a disabled daughter, many people have always helped her, so she wants to give back. She says she “would rather give than take” and she also said she likes to do all of this because she truly enjoys helping others.

Florence Solomon and Joan Cohen

Most volunteers at Memorial Hospital West (MHW) have traditional jobs like greeting visitors or delivering mail but volunteers Florence Solomon and Joan Cohen have their own unique way of contributing their talents. They sew pint-sized dogs and cats for pediatric patients who come to the hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department.

Solomon first created the concept of the brightly colored “Threads of Love” pets 20 years ago when she was volunteering at Memorial Hospital Pembroke. Through the years, both she and Cohen have done a variety of craft projects to help patients, including hats for cancer patients, bags for wheelchairs and tiny hats for babies But it’s these miniature dogs and cats that capture most of their attention.

“We hope that they boost the morale of kids who are sick, hurt or nervous when they come to the Emergency Department,” explained Solomon, who comes to the hospital twice a week to sew. “I’m not cut out for what other volunteers do. This is my way of contributing.”

(l-r) Florence Solomon and Joan Cohen sew their “Threads of Love” dogs and cats for pediatric Emergency Department patients at Memorial Hospital West.

For Joan Cohen, her commitment to being at the hospital is a natural. She has been sewing and knitting since she was 10 years old and has taught craft classes in the area for the past 35 years. “I’m a craft person,” Cohen explained. “I always need to be doing something with my hands.”

ED staff has seen the positive impact these cuddly toys have on their patients. “It really helps them to have something to hold on to,” explained Gina Deligero, Clinical Manager. “When we follow up with patients to see how they’re doing following their care here, they always mention the dogs and cats. We’ve heard that some children even keep them for years to remind them of their trip to the hospital.”

MHW staff and other volunteers have pitched in by donating fabric for the handmade dogs and cats. Solomon cuts out the fabric and stitches the perimeter seams at home. Then, when she and Cohen are at the hospital, they stuff the animals, finishing the closing seams and adding the finishing touches likes whiskers, ears and tails. More than 30 completed “Threads of Love” pets make it down to the Emergency Department every week, thanks to Solomon and Cohen’s efforts.

Sue Brenton, Nurse Manager, Pediatric ED, pointed out, “The children really do enjoy receiving these. At times, they are our ‘entrance way’ in allowing us to approach the children. It is heartwarming to see their faces light up when they are given one. Florence and Joan do such a great job. Their commitment to sewing these for our patients is truly a gift.”

Marge Hinely

Any patient who has spent more than a few days at Memorial Regional Hospital over the past 25 years has probably met Marge Hinely – part volunteer, part goodwill ambassador and, mostly, a guardian angel. Hinely was recently recognized at the hospital’s annual volunteer auxiliary luncheon for achieving 25 years of service.

She modestly insists that the volunteer time benefits her as much as it does the patients. “Sometimes I feel like I really help the patients,” explained Hinely, who goes room to room every Monday and Thursday, checking to see if she can do anything to make their hospital stay better. “But volunteering gets me out into the community and that’s good for me, too.”

Living in walking distance to Memorial Regional Hospital, there was no question where Hinely would volunteer when she first registered in 1985. Initially, she made follow up calls to patients after they left the hospital. Her role has expanded through the years. Hinely can be seen dropping by, chatting with the patient and delivering a small, golden guardian angel pin before she leaves their rooms.

For some of Memorial’s geriatric patients, Hinely may be the only non-medical visitor they have. She pointed out, “Some patients don’t need anything but someone to talk to and that’s okay with me.”

Irwin Stovroff

In addition to being a volunteer extraordinaire, Irwin Stovroff is a true American hero. As a veteran of World War II, he served as a bombardier on a B-24 Liberator. In 1944, his plane was shot down. Parachuting close to Nazi lines, he was captured. After the prison camp was liberated in 1945, he returned home. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.

When he was 75 years of age, Irwin decided to get involved in veterans affairs. He serves as a volunteer national service officer at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, counseling other former prisoners of war. He’s proud that he’s helped over 400 veterans get 100% of all the benefits they’re entitled to. While volunteering, he learned of the need for assistance dogs for disabled veterans. As a consequence, he started a nonprofit organization (Vets Helping Heroes – vetshelpingheroes.org) to train guide dogs for wounded veterans. At the age of 87, he was the inspiration for the language authored by Congressman Ron Klein to provide service animals to wounded veterans, that was later signed into law by President Obama as part of the Defense Authorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 2647).

Barry Goldin

At the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, Barry Goldin has been serving hospitalized veterans for the past seven years, logging over 550 volunteer hours.

Goldin is the Volunteer Service Representative for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and reports monthly on all of the service projects that his organization is involved in and the voluntary hours accumulated by its members. He encourages VFW posts and their members to visit the hospital and provide services to our veterans. He also encourages state VFW officers to visit the Medical Center and provide financial assistance to programs benefiting our veterans through its unmet needs program.

Goldin currently serves as the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Executive Committee which meets quarterly to guide decisions regarding events at the Medical Center. He has been instrumental in obtaining $1,000 worth of gift cards for veterans with special needs, another $1,000 for indigent Veterans and returning Veterans, a new 42″ flat screen TV for a patient waiting room, and monies to provide haircuts for veterans in appreciation of Veteran’s Day. He is currently coordinating the dedication of a new monument for the Medical Center that will be unveiled in May.

Ann Marie Feldman

In 1997, Ann Marie Feldman decided she wanted to become a volunteer. So, she went to Memorial Hospital Pembroke and signed up–never dreaming she would wind up devoting 4,000 hours there and then another 2,000 hours at Memorial Hospital Miramar once the West Broward hospital opened five years ago.

Now, she is often the “face” of Memorial Hospital Miramar, staffing the front desk on very busy Monday and Wednesday mornings. While it can be hectic, Feldman loves the work. “I do whatever needs to be done,” Feldman said. “If I can make a difference helping patients and visitors at the hospital, then it’s a good day.”

With the extensive volunteer experience that Feldman has, she is often called on to train new volunteer recruits. Teaching them the “ropes” is a pleasure for Feldman who emphasizes that she gets far more out of her time spent at the hospital than they get from her.

“I have to do something for people or I’m not happy,” explained the 78-year old grandmother of four. With her family up in Atlanta, Feldman pointed out that the hospital staff and her fellow volunteers have become like family to her through the years. Their kindness and caring became especially important recently when her husband passed away.

“I would never have survived my loss without my Memorial family,” Feldman said. “They have treated me like a queen!”

Thelma Gannon

5 years of service
6225 total hours of service
2500 in 2009
1000 in 2008

Thelma Gannon is currently the President of the Auxiliary of Bethesda and in the second year of her term. Has worked tirelessly to promote the Auxiliary, encouraging the Auxiliary to update physical plant at the Bargain Box, hire new employees, update procedures. Every word out of her mouth is dedicated to improving the Auxiliary and its ability to help the hospital in its mission to provide quality health services in a caring manner. In addition, she has volunteered as an escort in the hospital and in the Bargain Box in sales, stocking, and pricing.

Beulah Gladstone

10 years of service
13,000 hours of service

Beulah Gladstone is 39 years old and counting. She has been 39 for 54 years; she is 93. She volunteers at the front desk and also knits blankets for the babies and children in the hospital. She volunteers every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In between she knits. We call her our energizer bunny. She trains other volunteers at the front desk and also how to use the computer. One of her very special jobs is knitting tiny blankets for newborn babies with troubles who pass away. The tiny blankets are given to the parents in acknowledgment of their great love and sorrow. We know that we can count on Beulah to help with a smile and compassion.

Louis Lataille

The auxiliary at North Broward Medical Center is comprised of almost 200 men and women who dedicate countless hours to support the hospital any way they can. In addition to helping with the day-to-day operations, the auxiliary raises money for the hospital and awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to local high school students.

Louis Lataille is a loyal member of the auxiliary. A firefighter for more than 20 years, an orderly in a hospital for 10 years, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels … Louis has been helping people his entire life. A Rhode Island native, he moved to Florida after retiring in 1993. However, his days of giving back to the community were not over. When an accident brought him to North Broward Medical Center for physical therapy, he was so impressed with the hospital that he decided to start donating his time as a way to give back for the wonderful care he received. Louis has been a member of the auxiliary for about seven years. He works for Patient Escort 5-6 days a week, bringing patients to and from several departments, including the Cancer Center, Same Day Surgery and the Emergency Department.

Herard LaFrance

When Haiti native Herard LaFrance heard about the earthquake that devastated his homeland, his heart broke. A Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at North Broward Medical Center, he knew immediately he had to help.

Herard registered with several organizations sending volunteers and finally got the opportunity with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He flew down with a group of 110 volunteers, consisting of paramedics, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists and physicians of various specialties.

Herard spent a week in Haiti working in the ICU unit of the “tent hospital” set up by the main airport in Port-au-Prince. He was touched by the morale the Haitian people displayed despite the unbearable hardships they were encountering. He saw small children with missing limbs who were still smiling. The family members of his patients, having nowhere else to go, stayed by their loved ones day and night washing them, changing sheets and helping in any way possible.

Herard thinks about the lives he touched every day and knows they will always hold a special place in his heart. “I feel like I should still be there helping,” he says. “I’m already planning my next trip back.”

Frankie Thomas

As a native Floridian Frankie Thomas grew up and resided in the West Palm Beach area. Frankie was educated in Florida, and graduated with a BA from Howard University. She also obtained her MA in public administration from Florida International University.

Frankie will be remembered for her significant contributions to the community. HospiceCare of Southeast Florida mourns the loss of this wonderful, energetic, and wise lady. She was a member of the HospiceCare of Southeast Florida Board of Directors from 1996 – 2009, (Vice-President 1998-2000, President 2000-2002). Frankie had been unable to attend board meetings physically for nearly two years but always attended meetings by conference call, and always had incredible insight and advice. Frankie also holds the distinct honor of being the first African-American woman to be elected to the presidency of a hospice board.

An accomplished person, Frankie tackled every issue of importance in her community, cared for her family, and those who were less fortunate while working diligently to leave a legacy of deeds well done for everyone. Frankie was that rare individual who stuck her neck out to improve, promote, and create opportunities for women by opening doors and removing barriers through effort, example, encouragement, mentoring and corporate awareness.

HospiceCare of Southeast Florida will miss Frankie and her guidance, but we will forever be grateful for her, and the gifts she gave to us.

Frank Borbolla

Frank Borbolla has been a volunteer with Catholic Hospice for 8 years. He is an outstanding volunteer, one that every organization would love to have. Frank’s motto is “I’m there” and he truly lives by that motto. Anytime you need anything from him, he is always willing to help. If you need Frank to build a ramp for a handicap patient, he will build the ramp immediately; if you need him to visit a patient and provide respite care for the caregiver, Frank goes to the patient’s home and stays with them for however many hours needed. Frank also volunteers as a counselor at Camp Hope, a bereavement camp for children between the ages of 7-15 who have lost a loved one. The camp is a three day camp and he volunteers every year. Frank always goes above and beyond for our organization. He is a great asset to the mission of Catholic Hospice. Frank Borbolla is a great humanitarian and a wonderful volunteer.

Regina Clark, R.N.

Regina Clark, R.N., is the Clinical Manager of the Medical/Surgical Department at Columbia Hospital. For the past three years she has spent four to five weeks in Cambodia on humanitarian missions under the auspices of Musicianaries International, Inc. a non-profit organization located in North Palm Beach, and TransformAsia based in Denver, CO.

She usually travels with a group of 20 – 40 people including 2 or 3 medical professionals as well as musicians from all over the United States as well as Canada, South Africa, Singapore and Cambodia. Once in Cambodia they travel to remote villages to provide medical care and dental demonstrations to hundreds of people who have little or no access to any kind of medical care. Hospitals and even the most rudimentary of clinics are non-existent in most areas, so the group carries medical supplies and medications. Their days start at sunrise and usually do not end until well past sunset. Other items distributed are 50-pound bags of rice, school uniforms, and clothing to the villagers.

Despite hot and humid weather with frequent monsoon type rains, bumpy roads and accommodations that make everyone appreciate what is waiting back home, Regina is committed to planning future missionary trips.

Patricia Burke, R.N.

Patricia Burke, R.N., is Director of Psychiatric Services at The Pavilion, the Department of Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Services at Columbia Hospital. In August of 2008 and 2009, she volunteered her time and expertise in Haiti as part of a medical mission under the auspices of the Gaskov Clerge Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in memory of Gaskov Clerge, a Haitian native and a Ph.D. candidate at Howard University who unexpectedly passed away in 1999. As part of a team of medical and nonmedical volunteers and Creole interpreters, she and her team processed over 1,000 prescriptions in a week, and provided education to the people receiving the medications. Over the course of each mission she set up and disassembled the pharmacy at four or five different locations. Patti utilized her creativity, organizational skills and ingenuity to manage this rudimentary pharmacy.

Following the news of Haiti’s earthquake in January, Patti knew another mission would be desperately needed, and again volunteered to supervise the pharmacy and distribution of the much needed medications. In February she spent a volunteering at mobile clinics in several tent cities in Port au Prince that were set up in order to provide access for the many people needing medical attention. Her commitment remains strong, and she definitely will be a part of future missions in 2010 and beyond.

Nat Gross

The Dr. Nan S. Hutchison Senior Hall of Fame recently announced that Nat Gross has been named a member of the elite Broward County organization, recognizing his volunteer contributions for the past five years to Leeza’s Place, a Memorial Hospital Pembroke community resource center for family caregivers who have a loved one with a memory disorder or chronic, progressive illness.

When Leeza’s Place held its grand opening in 2006, Nat Gross attended the event, hoping to find a safe haven. At that time, Gross cared for his wife, Anna, an Alzheimer’s patient. He struggled daily with her paranoia, aggression, wandering and elevated levels of confusion. Gross soon became the Center’s first volunteer. Since that time, he has committed five days, 32 hours per week of his time and has provided an endless source of nurturing, love, and support to thousands of caregivers in Broward County.

“Nat always has a smile and a hug for those in need at Leeza’s Place, as well as the perfect words to inspire and heal,” said Betty Chinsue, care advocate for Leeza’s Place. “Since 2005, he has written over 50 poems and short stories dedicated to empowering and comforting caregivers. He is the shoulder caregivers cry on; as well as the warmth and love they need in their most challenging moments.”

Earl Harmon

Earl Harmon grew up in the Philadelphia area, but has found a new home at Delray Medical Center. After five years in the US Air Force, Earl returned to Philadelphia and worked odd jobs to put himself through college. Earning a degree in Criminal Justice, he spent 17 years as a Prison Officer for the Pennsylvania State Penitentiary system.

In March 2008, he came to Delray Medical Center. From the start, Earl chose to work Monday through Friday in the Volunteer Transport Department. Every morning he rounds up the wheelchairs from the various locations, secures clean linen for patients, turns on the pagers and sets up the transport office for daily operations. His duties include wheelchair escorting for patients and visitors, and running errands between departments. Earl is also instrumental in training new Transport Volunteers.

Each weekday morning, you can find Earl interacting with patients. There’s always a good morning and big smile as he greets everyone in the hall. Working in a trauma hospital like Delray Medical Center, Earl counts his blessings. A favorite quote he lives by is, “When you do things for yourself, it dies with you. When you do for others, it remains immortal.”