June 18, 2004

Volunteer Recognition Day: Warm words make gray days disappear

The cold, rainy day didn't dampen the spirits of the audience that gathered June 1 under the Bulfinch tent to hear warm stories of generosity and selflessness as the MGH celebrated its annual Volunteer Recognition Day. Approximately 1,200 individuals volunteer at the hospital each year. In 2003, MGH volunteers contributed a remarkable 195,366 hours of service.

"Volunteers make the experience of patients more comfortable, the hours of waiting more endurable and the delivery of care by busy staff more manageable," said Pat Rowell, director of MGH Volunteer Services. "Their 'ordinary acts of kindness' have a tremendous impact on the patient experience."

From left, volunteers, Jim Gillespie and Elaine Grollman, with Paul Bartush of Volunteer Services, Daniel and Karen Ballantine, and Edward Lawrence.

The event honored volunteers who have made invaluable contributions to the MGH community. The Jessie Harding Award for Outstanding Volunteer went to Tony Kim, who has volunteered at the MGH since 2001 and will be leaving soon to join the Peace Corps.

The Trustees' Award for Outstanding Support of the Volunteer Program went to the staff of the Same-Day Surgical Unit. Special recognition was given to Bobbi Evans, Trisha Flanagan, Celia Sewell, Diane Stanley and their four canine partners for pioneering the Pet Therapy program that started in February of 2003.

Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, and Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse, both offered their gratitude for the many contributions MGH volunteers make to the hospital, its patients and their families. Chairman of the MGH Board of Trustees, Edward Lawrence, introduced the Janet Ballantine Oncology Volunteer Award, created to highlight distinguished volunteer service to cancer patients. The award was established in memory of Janet Ballantine, an MGH patient who was instrumental in founding the Friends with Hope Foundation.

Individual service awards were presented to Kathy Carolan, Joyce Ciffolillo, Maureen Coakley, Carleton Davis, Joan DeGuglielmo, Barbara Jankowski, Charlie McCarthy, Debby Morrison, Mickey Randazza and Peggy Scott.