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

By the very definition, volunteers are those with servant hearts who freely give of themselves to help others. Some do it because they have a “why” or personal connection to an organization or cause. Some volunteer because they were just raised to give back. And some give their time out of the goodness of their heart. Whatever the reason, Methodist Richardson Medical Center is grateful for those who choose to share their time to help improve the health of others.

“I just love it,” says Tony Deyoe of Wylie. “It’s fulfilling, giving back to help other people, who are here at the hospital for various reasons. I like to bring a little cheer if I can.”

Tony is a lifelong volunteer who worked 27 years with Special Olympics, in honor of his brother with Down’s syndrome. After moving to Wylie, he says he drove by the hospital almost every day and told his wife that he wanted to volunteer. He applied and has been volunteering two days a week for almost five years now.

Pam Anderson, also from Wylie, jokes that giving back must be in her DNA. Her parents served as hospital volunteers for 25 years.

“I am living the legacy of my parents,” says Pam. “It’s really important to me.” For her, it’s all about the connection with people. “This is what I’m called to do. The Lord tells me that every day, so I’m grateful and honored to be able to be a part of it.”

Gone are the days of the candy striper volunteers who were mostly teenagers interested in healthcare careers or community service. Most volunteers now are retirees who want to remain active and vibrant.

“We currently have about 140 volunteers,” says Amy Taylor, Director of Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson. They do any number of jobs that help take the burden off nurses and other staff, including helping escort patients and visitors, restocking personal protective equipment (PPE) boxes, and manning the surgery waiting area, keeping families updated about their loved ones, which Amy says is a vital role. “They are a true calming presence and put anxious families at ease.”

Volunteers also raise money Pam Anderson and Tony Deyoe volunteer their time at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. by selling popcorn to provide scholarships for junior volunteers and to supplement department requests for smaller needs that arise and may not be budgeted.

There are also some less traditional roles, like the volunteer who plays the piano in the lobby of the Cancer Center to soothe patients and staff alike, and our pet therapy volunteers who bring the comfort of furry, four-pawed friends.

Volunteers play such a vital role at the hospital, they left a big void when the program was temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. But, they are back at work and once again making a difference.

Pam Anderson said she was certainly happy to return. “I was so excited to be back. I truly know that all the staff in this hospital really appreciate the extra hands and smiles and encouragement that the volunteers can give,” she says.

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated healthcare to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Twelve hospitals proudly carry the Methodist Health System brand, as owners or through affiliation. More than 50 Methodist Family Health Centers and Methodist Medical Group specialty physician office locations are among the facilities served by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org. •

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.

Photos provided by Jan Arrant.