Bruce Guillan- Administrative Volunteer, 18 Years

“My family was very pleased with what hospice did when my brother-in-law passed away. At the time, I had recently retired and was looking for volunteer opportunities and joined hospice. Having served in many capacities, I now work in the office with the volunteer coordinator and help manage medical records. I keep track of volunteer hours, mileage, take their reports and upload them on the system. I also upload patient files so nursing staff in the field can access those records at the patient’s home. I find work in all capacities satisfying and hope I’m making a difference to people’s lives.”

Eve Szukala, Patient Care Volunteer

“When my dad was dying of pancreatic cancer, I realized how much support and care he got from hospice, how much they were doing. I lost my mom when I was five years old, so volunteering with Camp Courage (kids dealing with the loss of a loved one) gave me a chance to help other kids who were faced with the pain of that experience. Death brings out the worst, they say. I’ve seen it bring out the best in people, for example, the man who loved his wife till the very end. It made me realize how much people can care for someone else. I once painted a bird cage with a woman who loved birds, and was in hospice. She developed a trust in me, opened up and started to talk more.”

Pam Zweig – Inpatient Unit Volunteer

“I’m so excited that as a community we’re blessed to have hospice. I firmly believe that we’re here to make each other’s life easier. Helping someone, especially during a difficult journey in their life, holding their hand or listening to their heart does give you a deeper appreciation for the meaning of life. Truly, in my heart, the greatest expression of love is helping others in need. It’s a privilege that families allow us to be a part of that journey.”

Pam has been a hospice volunteer for about a year. She works with families, in the IPU and lives in Barrington.

Helen Moore – Patient Care, Vigil Volunteer

“Being there when someone is dying is the ultimate experience in working as a hospice volunteer. For me, it’s like being a midwife at the other end of life. I do Vigils, so often I end up telling family members the time of death. It has always been a very peaceful experience. Death is an experience all of us are going to have, so being involved in this way, I feel, will help me understand it better.”