VERANDAH RESIDENTS VOLUNTEERING THROUGHOUT SWFL
Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health Outpatient Facility: The Sanctuary
“The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
This ongoing series will document Verandah residents volunteering throughout SWFL and making a difference in the lives of others.
Verandah residents, Denise Rath and Lori Fleshman recognized each other while volunteering in different areas of Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Denise had been assisting in the formula preparation lab for preemies in the NICU for about a year and a half. Lori was a Sunshine Ambassador for three years and greeted parents bringing their child in for some type of diagnostic test, walk them to the waiting area, emergency room, or Ronald McDonald Room. This job was usually busy and so much fun.
Although Denise and Lori enjoyed working at Golisano Children’s Hospital, the drive time, especially during season, was a negative.
Denise reached out to Lori following a fitness class to talk about their shared volunteer experiences at Golisano. Lori mentioned she also volunteered at the Lee Health Outpatient Clinic at the Sanctuary in the Women’s Imaging Center, and they needed more volunteers. The Sanctuary is located at Exit 136 of I-75 and Colonial Blvd., a more convenient location.
As volunteers, they spend four hours, one afternoon per week at the Sanctuary. Mornings from 8 a.m.-12 Noon are also available.
“Responsibilities involve bringing patients back into the waiting area for their mammograms, DEXA scans, ultrasounds or minor procedures”, said Denise. “Once in this smaller waiting area, we show them where to “gown” and wait.”
“We talk to patients and get them prepared for their diagnostic test,” said Lori. “There always seems to be someone who needs a little extra help with dressing or undressing; someone who needs some reassurance; or someone who needs to know they will be well-cared for.”
“The mammography techs are a great group of people and so appreciative for any help we can provide,” said Lori. “We do very little compared to them, but they always tell us how much it helps them to do their job well.”
Lee Health is always looking for volunteers. There are many opportunities and several locations from which to choose.
Just go to the Lee Health site (leehealth.org) and type “volunteer” in the search bar.
Denise and Lori both agree that while they volunteer to fill their time doing something productive, the joy of helping others is the reward.” If you volunteer in SWFL and would like to share your story in a future issue, please contact Stephanie at: [email protected].
Check out the next page for a fun volunteer opportunity!
