Page 33 - St. John's Healthcare Foundation FY17 Annual Report

Last year volunteers invested 24,120 hours at St. John’s Pleasant

Valley Hospital and 37,456 hours at St. John’s Regional Medical

Center; the total labor equivalent of $1,426,473. Human connections in caring for others

Human connections in caring for others

“When I was in the business world I worked very hard and my reward was a Flowers Project People
comfortable living that supported a good family life. Today I work as a volunteer and “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” “People leave traces of themselves where they feel most Weeks of rehabilitation followed, where I had to learn to walk again and to work
my extended family is at St. John’s Hospitals where my reward is a look of gratitude, – Booker T. Washington comfortable, most worthwhile.” – Haruki Murakami through the changes to my memory that were brought about from the blow to my head.
a smile or a hug when I show someone that I care.” – Sonia
Every Monday morning, volunteers at St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital are The Project People at St. John’s Pleasant I kept a positive attitude as I faced this new challenge in my life. However, the brain
A hospital requires many hands to function smoothly, and volunteers are an busy with flowers, artfully arranging mini bud vases for patient trays and Valley Hospital hand craft gifts for patients – injury caused me to be impulsive in my reactions, most notably when St. John’s Acute
extension of staff, helping to provide the services, products and environment larger bouquets that beautify stuffed ponies for children in the Emergency Rehab staff pushed me through painful and difficult therapy. I would apologize, and in
that help to make our hospitals such extraordinary places. Volunteers make a the hospital waiting rooms and and X-ray Departments, tray favors to return received humor and compassion from therapists. I progressed rapidly, and weeks
difference at St. John’s Hospitals. They work in many areas of the hospital and offices. Giving patients and their brighten up patient meals during the holidays, later as I let go of the grab bars and took my first steps without help, I cried for joy.
offer the human connection that is so necessary when patients and families families something to smile about and stuffed pillows that are hand-painted by a local artist for patients who have
are at their most vulnerable. Walking a patient’s family to the cafeteria, offering at a difficult time makes all the had surgery. Though a patient may never meet the volunteer, every gift holds a I could not have asked for a better place to recover and cherish this place and the people
a box of tissues to someone in grief, listening to a new mother’s concerns, or difference to these volunteers. This little tender part of that person who selflessly created it. that gave me back my life. So for the last 16 years since my recovery, I have dedicated
comforting an elderly patient who is alone – experiences had all in the day of labor of love is made possible by my time to supporting St. John’s Hospitals. I am convinced that my investment,
a volunteer. local growers who have graciously Grateful Patient-Volunteer combined with the many others that give of their time and treasure, is making a
donated flowers for more than A physician once said, “The best medicine for humans is love.” Someone difference in patient outcomes.” – David, St. John’s Hospital Volunteer
We are immensely grateful for their generous spirit and for their commitment 15 years. asked, “what if that doesn’t work?” He smiled and replied, “Increase the dose.”
to our hospital community. If you are interested in learning more about our
volunteer opportunities, please call (805) 988-2627.
“I rolled down the sand hill and landed with a thud, quickly followed by my ATV
4-wheeler –a monster which landed on top of me, crushing my helmet. Dread gripped
me when paramedics asked me to wiggle my toes and only one of my digits barely
moved. For sixteen days I lay almost completely paralyzed in the Intensive Care Unit.
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