Volunteer Gives Companionship & Support to Patients

Mary (left) and Donna play a game of Scrabble.

Donna Hayes loves a great Scrabble match and this afternoon it’s on. Donna, a Suncoast Hospice patient living at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, scores a triple in her game with Mary Foust, who volunteers with Suncoast Hospice. Donna prevails this day: 287 to 243. The two grew up playing games, and have fun playing together during their weekly visits.

“We enjoy each other’s company,” says Mary. Donna adds, “I light up when she comes. I love it when we play this game. I like a challenge. You gotta keep your mind busy.”

A Joyful Service

Mary has volunteered with Suncoast Hospice since 2003. She loves the organization and serving. “We have such a wonderful hospice with caring people. I’m always happiest when I’m doing things for others,” Mary says.

She visits around 12 patients each week at different facilities, including transition companion visits with patients whose deaths are imminent. She’s also involved in community outreach. She enjoys providing comfort and support to her patients in many ways, including writing letters, reading, praying, taking them outside or simply a gentle touch.

“A lot of my patients aren’t alert and we can’t communicate very well. But they like it when I hug or touch them. I do whatever they like,” Mary says.

Do you want to make a difference for others? See our volunteer opportunities.

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.