Award-Winning Volunteer Supports Patients and Families

Judy Gauron

Judy H. Gauron is an extraordinary volunteer who is dedicated to supporting our patients, families and organization. Last week she was honored for her service as the winner of Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2012 Health Care Heroes volunteer award.

Judy serves in multiple roles including office support, welcome center, community outreach, patient and family support, mentoring new volunteers and pet therapy. She and her dog, Theo, bring lots of comfort and joy visiting patients and families with one of our north Pinellas care teams and Suncoast Hospice Care Center North Pinellas as well as nursing homes.

Judy & Theo

“Pet therapy is a powerful form of palliative care. When patients stroke Theo they reminisce about the happy times with their pets. Family life is always at the forefront for patients at the care center. I feel that during our visits with patients, the difficulties of the present are forgotten as they revisit those cherished moments of the past. Families also are uplifted by our visits. Our conversations flow easily and we form bonds through the love for our dogs,” Judy said.

As a hospice volunteer she seizes every opportunity to enrich lives.   

“The best ways we volunteers can serve our patients and families is to listen, respect, comfort and bring as much happiness to them as the situations allow. Even if we only touch one heart on any particular day, our pledge to make a difference in someone’s life has been fulfilled,” she said.

Has a hospice volunteer made a difference in your life? Share your story below.

Are you interested in volunteering? Come to a volunteer training in Palm Harbor, Clearwater or St. Petersburg.