Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

 On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Medi Home Hospice celebrated National Volunteer Week with a special dinner at Pronto Pizzeria on Broad Street in Richmond, VA.  This was but a small way for us to honor of our exceptional hospice volunteers for all they do for our community.  As a Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, this is always a special time, and one of the highlights of my year.  Our volunteers give so much to our patients, families, and our agency, so it's always a great privilege to be able to give back to the volunteers and let them know how much they are appreciated.

A spirit of harmony can only survive if each of us remembers that we share a common destiny.

~ Barbara Jordan (1936-96) American congresswoman and lawyer

Recently, I was out visiting patients at a long term care facility with one of our new volunteers. We were sitting and chatting with this lovely lady, who was telling us about her love of Richmond and baseball--particularly the Atlanta Braves. She was such a delight!  She really enjoyed our visit with her, and invited us to come back whenever we wanted ("And maybe you could bring some cake with you!").  I left her room feeling completely uplifted, as was our new volunteer.  This was her first patient visit, and she commented, "This was really nice; I really enjoyed that!  It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be."  

Of course, not every visit is quite so happy and cheerful, as our new volunteer soon discovered. Some patients are less interactive, and the  visit takes on quite a more somber tone. In those cases, what may be needed is just a quiet and comforting presence.  Nevertheless, she came away from her first visit to the facility knowing she did something very special that day, and was able to touch a few lives who were in need of some extra attention.  And she is looking forward to continuing this work well into the future.


Now, as I sit back and reflect on the stories they've shared about their volunteer experiences, as well as the feedback I've received from our patients and families, I am once again uplifted by the common thread of caring and compassion woven through them all.  I am reminded that volunteers are the heart of hospice, giving their time and loving attention selflessly to others in what is often a very difficult time.  I am truly honored to be a part of such a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers! 

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives the rose.

~ Chinese Proverb

How do I become a Hospice Volunteer?

If you live in Central Virginia, and would like more information on how you can be a part of our team of caring and compassionate hospice volunteers, please contact  Andy Wichorek, Volunteer Coordinator, at awichorek@msa-corp.com, or 804-282-4301.