YOUR HEALTH
Volunteer [vol-uhn-teer] Noun 1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking 2. a person who performs a service willingly and without pay by Jan Arrant
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y the very definition, volunteers are those with servant hearts who Photos provided by Jan Arrant. freely give of themselves to help others. Some do it because they are a true calming presence have a “why” or personal connection to and put anxious families at an organization or cause. Some volunteer ease.” because they were just raised to give Volunteers also raise money back. And some give their time out of the by selling popcorn to provide Pam Anderson and Tony Deyoe volunteer their time goodness of their heart. Whatever the scholarships for junior at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. reason, Methodist Richardson Medical volunteers and to supplement Center is grateful for those who choose to share their department requests for smaller needs that arise and time to help improve the health of others. may not be budgeted. “I just love it,” says Tony Deyoe of Wylie. “It’s fulfilling, There are also some less traditional roles, like the giving back to help other people, who are here at the volunteer who plays the piano in the lobby of the hospital for various reasons. I like to bring a little cheer Cancer Center to soothe patients and staff alike, and our if I can.” pet therapy volunteers who bring the comfort of furry, Tony is a lifelong volunteer who worked 27 years four-pawed friends. with Special Olympics, in honor of his brother with Volunteers play such a vital role at the hospital, they Down’s syndrome. After moving to Wylie, he says he left a big void when the program was temporarily drove by the hospital almost every day and told his wife suspended due to the pandemic. But, they are back at that he wanted to volunteer. He applied and has been work and once again making a difference. volunteering two days a week for almost five years now. Pam Anderson said she was certainly happy to return. Pam Anderson, also from Wylie, jokes that giving back “I was so excited to be back. I truly know that all the must be in her DNA. Her parents served as hospital staff in this hospital really appreciate the extra hands volunteers for 25 years. and smiles and encouragement that the volunteers can “I am living the legacy of my parents,” says Pam. give,” she says. “It’s really important to me.” For her, it’s all about the Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, connection with people. “This is what I’m called to do. and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System The Lord tells me that every day, so I’m grateful and (Methodist) provides quality, integrated healthcare to honored to be able to be a part of it.” improve and save the lives of individuals and families Gone are the days of the candy striper volunteers who throughout North Texas. Twelve hospitals proudly were mostly teenagers interested in healthcare careers carry the Methodist Health System brand, as owners or community service. Most volunteers now are retirees or through affiliation. More than 50 Methodist Family who want to remain active and vibrant. Health Centers and Methodist Medical Group specialty physician office locations are among the facilities served “We currently have about 140 volunteers,” says Amy by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is Taylor, Director of Volunteer Services at Methodist affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference Richardson. They do any number of jobs that help of the United Methodist Church. Additional information take the burden off nurses and other staff, including is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org. • helping escort patients and visitors, restocking personal protective equipment (PPE) boxes, and manning the Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the surgery waiting area, keeping families updated about Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not their loved ones, which Amy says is a vital role. “They employees or agents of Methodist Health System. A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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