In their own words: Why we volunteer
Bob & Louise Kenny
Bob: I come to CampCare to support kids who have lost a loved one. My mom died when I was 16, and there was no support system in place. CampCare is an awesome program in which I can be supportive of kids based on my own experience.
I have worked with two groups of kids: the youngest and the oldest. It is a true pleasure to be with the younger kids as they negotiate being at camp (many for the first time), coming together to laugh, play, cry and create art projects to help them remember their loved ones. With the older kids, I am privileged to see the incredible results of many years at CampCare. By this time, the older kids have the emotional maturity and the language to express their deep and painful feelings. They come together and create a surprising bond in a very short period of time. It is powerful to see this take place before my eyes.
Louise: I have been a CampCare volunteer for the past six years! As an occupational therapist, I have worked mainly with older adults. And I decided to become a volunteer because I wanted to work with kids.
I enjoy getting to know the kids and watching them grow from year to year! I also love watching how they support each other, especially the “camp veterans” with the new campers.
Joan Bundley
I was a healthcare provider prior to retiring in 2001. I have been interested in hospice for several years and decided to become involved after I retired. I attended the training course in April 2003.
I enjoy working with a great group of volunteers and staff at Lifts, where we assemble mailings and handle a variety of other projects. We share experiences, family updates, great restaurants in the area and critique current movies and other topics of interest. It’s also nice to know that you are missed when you cannot attend.
Lisa Fortini-Campbell
For a long time, I felt pulled towards working with older people and dying people. But it was an article in a Southwest Airlines magazine about people sitting vigil with the dying somewhere in California that finally got me to pick up the phone and call.
I love the patients and their stories. I love the families and caregivers and the chance to witness their love in action. And I love the other volunteers! I've met and been inspired by so many wonderful people in the brief time we spend together. What's not to love?
Art Hofstetter
My father was my best friend and mentor, and he was so well cared for on the unit. I was very impressed with the team of professionals. Staff were helpful, competent, dedicated to my dad, and they were there for him, as I’m sure they are for others. So many resources are available for the patient that the people don’t necessarily see or understand.
I’ve never felt so strongly about the work of an organization. I’m helping to raise money for the new inpatient hospice pavilion so that others can receive the same high-quality care that my dad had. This project is very important for Midwest CareCenter and for all the patients who will need it in the future.
