January 4, 2008

MGH's volunteers celebrated during annual Pin Week

From left, Patty Austen, Cheston with Ella, Kieron Gyles, Tanya Mahoney with Duffy, Dominique Davenport, Jim Gillespie and Paula Capraro

Every year, the MGH Volunteer Department designates the first week in December as Pin Week, a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the hospital's 1,200 volunteers. During Pin Week, MGH volunteers — who donate tens of thousands of hours each year to make the MGH a pleasant and welcoming environment for patients and staff alike — are awarded lapel pins based on the number of service hours they have contributed.

This year, longtime MGH volunteer Lois Cheston received her 10,000-hour pin. A pet therapy volunteer, Cheston and her dog, Ella, often can be seen in the pediatric units and the Gray Family Waiting Area, delighting patients, visitors and staff of all ages. Says Cheston, "I feel fortunate for the opportunity to make people smile."

Pat Rowell, director of the MGH Volunteer Department, adds, "Volunteering at the MGH means putting care and compassion into action. This year's Pin Week once again
demonstrated that MGH volunteers go beyond all expectations."