02/27/2026
For 13 years, Jane has been a steady, compassionate presence in our hospital hallways, offering a smile, a helping hand and reassurance when patients and families need it most. Her journey began with a simple invitation from a fellow church member after she returned home from caring for her parents and was deciding what to do next. She applied and calls it “the best decision I ever made.”
Jane helps patients navigate long hallways, assists with discharges, walks visitors to their destinations and sits with those waiting for transportation. Sometimes it’s helping someone into a car or adjusting a wheelchair. Sometimes it’s simply noticing someone sitting alone and offering water, a restroom break, or conversation. One morning, she helped a woman choose snacks in the cafeteria, then continued checking on her while she waited more than an hour for her ride. “It’s those little acts,” Jane says, “that not only reward the person, they give me a feeling of worth and importance.”
She’s also seen firsthand how vital volunteers are to the care team. In busy areas like day surgery, volunteers help es**rt and discharge patients, allowing clinical staff to focus on medical care. The appreciation she hears from both staff and patients continues to motivate her.
Volunteering has been a “godsend,” she says — offering purpose, connection, flexibility and even built-in exercise. Most of all, it’s her way of giving back. “I’ve been one of the lucky ones,” she shares. “Volunteering is my way of giving back to others.”
If you’ve ever considered volunteering, Jane’s advice is simple: Take the chance. There are flexible shifts, different roles and meaningful opportunities to serve.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more and apply today: https://bit.ly/4qWKFji
