Page 35 - April 2017 Newspaper

★ ★ ★ Salute to ★
★
★
★ ★ Volunteers ★ ★

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WEST MEMORIAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL SOUTH

Khaleilah Hue-Wynter
Kerry Owens
Even as a child in daycare, Khaleilah Hue-Wynter
remembers wanting to help others. So, it should come as For the past four years, Kerry Owens, a retired respira-
no surprise that she’s constantly recognized for going tory therapist who worked in Texas, Georgia and Florida,
above and beyond the call of duty in the volunteer work has been assisting people at Memorial Regional Hospital
she does at Memorial Hospital West. South. She chose to volunteer at that facility, home of the
Hue-Wynter, now a college student at Keiser Memorial Rehabilitation Institute, because of the opportu-
University, works in outpatient rehabilitation and assists nity to positively affect patients and families, many of
with patients that need ice packs, heating pads, or help whom are coping with the impact of strokes, limb loss,
getting to their cars. She also does office work and makes traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
sure the many areas of the facility are clean and organ- “All patients are special, but those in rehab require spe-
ized. It’s all part of the training for the future she envisions for herself as an occupational cial, tender care,” said Owens. “I love helping people.”
therapist. Owens, a Key West native, is on-site three days a week
Hue-Wynter has been volunteering in the Memorial Healthcare System for nearly two and prides herself on easing the stress and confusion of those entering the hospital. She
years. In addition to the interaction with those rehabilitating physical ailments, her also transports patients and assists with book and cake sales that generate money for
favorite part of being a volunteer are the connections she’s made with therapists. worthwhile programs at the rehab hospital.
If all goes according to plan, the PTs and OTs will be her co-workers before too long.
Ray Reller
Lisa Sidoti
Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Give back.
For more than 14 years, Lisa Sidoti has volunteered at That’s the mantra Ray Reller, a volunteer at Memorial
Memorial Hospital West for one simple reason. She enjoys Regional Hospital South, lives by, and, to him, those aren’t
helping people. just words.
“It’s great to put a smile on someone’s face. That fulfills Reller lost a leg to Peripheral Artery Disease in 2014 and
a need in me,” Sidoti said. “The friendships I’ve made spent time rehabbing at the hospital where he has now
make this like a second home. I wouldn’t give volunteer- volunteered for the past two years. “It’s a special place.
ing up for anything.” They helped heal my psyche when I was down and the
Sidoti works in volunteer services, filing, making orien- feeling I get when I’m driving home from there now is
tation packets, inputting information, and providing priceless. It’s really satisfying, almost euphoric, to be able
materials to others considering donating their time. She’s to help all the nice people I’ve met and friends I’ve made,” he said.
also assisted in medical records, made deliveries, and Reller works two days a week, primarily at the information desk, giving directions to
offered to help wherever there might be a need. “I’ve been all over the hospital, and I visitors and answering calls that come in to the hospital. He also helps with raffles and
love it.” fundraisers for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Sidoti says some of her greatest satisfaction comes from providing answers to visitors
that are lost or reassuring patients that are scared. “You can see the gratitude on their
faces. They’re thankful someone cares.”

GOOD SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTER

Emma Gilbert-Brown

Emma Gilbert-Brown seems to be the perfect person to
volunteer. She loves bringing a smile to patient’s faces
and making a difference. Through volunteering at Good
Samaritan Medical Center, her attitude is to help wher-
ever she’s needed, share, and love all that she can. Emma
had her daughter at Good Samaritan Medical Center
nearly 40 years ago. She was so happy with the care from
the doctors and medical staff that she knew one day she
wanted to be a part of a place that cared about their
patients and provided outstanding medical care. Emma
is very active in her church choir and also spends lots of time with her granddaughter.
Coming Next Month...
Terry Liberman
Annual Salute to Nurses
Terry Liberman is a veteran in the volunteer world.
Liberman has volunteered at Good Samaritan Medical
Center for 23 years! Liberman worked as a nurse for a Nursing Profiles
major part of her career, so it seemed like a no-brainer
when she decided to come back and volunteer her time Nursing Trends & Challenges
at a hospital. Terry appreciates the fact that employees at
the hospital recognize the hard work of the volunteers PLUS in this issue:
which is why she continues to be a part of the team. Greater Miami Chamber Health Care Heroes – Special Section
Terry is extremely active herself. She’s an avid golfer and
reads at least two books a week. She also enjoys travel-
ing with her favorite traveling partner, her husband.
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South Florida Hospital News southfloridahospitalnews.com April 2017 35