As Helen Keller once famously said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
National Volunteer Week each April reminds us of the impact of the work and selflessness of dedicated volunteers. At ThedaCare, volunteers give of their time at all our medical centers as well as at the ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center, Encircle Health and through our hospice program.
Sara Reybrock, volunteer specialist for ThedaCare, says volunteers play an invaluable role in caring for the people and communities ThedaCare serves.
“I can’t even tell you how amazing these volunteers are,” she says. “They don’t have to be here, but they are — every week, every month, year after year. They do so many extras to make people feel taken care of when they are here.”
Here, we celebrate some of our volunteers’ stories.
Shelly Banda, Providing Solace Through Pet Therapy
Shelly shares: “I worked for ThedaCare as a certified occupational therapy assistant at Peabody Manor for 15 years. I now volunteer with my therapy dog, Sully. One day as we were making our rounds on the various floors at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, I noticed a gentleman sitting in a darkened room where his family member was lying in the bed very still and unaware of anyone’s presence. We walked in after asking permission to enter. Without a word, the man wrapped his arms around Sully and began to weep. No words were spoken, and Sully stood very still while the man continued to sob with his arms still around him.
“When the man was able to compose himself, he straightened up and tearfully thanked us for being there. I still cannot tell that story without seeing this scene in my mind’s eye and feeling very emotional myself. As a volunteer, it is an honor to be there when people are at their most vulnerable and to feel like we may have lightened their load.”
Kathy Mahoney, Paying it Forward
Kathy recounts: “In 1999, at the age of 49, my husband, Pat, experienced a rupture of his aortic valve. He was taken to Theda Clark, and a super surgeon, Dr. Louis Suarez, was called in. He came and saved Pat’s life by providing a new titanium aortic valve and repairing the aorta. It was a very scary time, and all the family is so grateful for the outcome. Pat is now a very healthy, active 74-year-old.
“I was still working at the time, but I vowed that upon retirement, I would volunteer at ThedaCare. Upon retirement in 2003, I began my new “career” as a ThedaCare volunteer, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Dennis Clow and Dennis Hemme, Sharing Joy
Dennis Clow and Dennis Hemme are the first male team to serve in the Gift Gallery at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. They volunteer Friday mornings and are often the top salesmen. With every purchase they ask, “Would you like a balloon with that?”
Clow shares: “I almost died here in 2017. I had three strokes in the emergency room. After three weeks of therapy at ThedaCare, I decided I wanted to help other people. It took two more years for me to recover enough to help out. I started out delivering magazines throughout the hospital but had to stop during the pandemic. When volunteers were able to come back, I began serving in the Gift Gallery. My favorite thing about volunteering is meeting and helping people. This is a good hospital to volunteer at because everyone is so friendly, and my partner, the other Dennis, is a good guy to work with.”
Hemme is a veteran of the U.S. Army and the California National Guard. He began volunteering in the original coffee shops at ThedaCare Regional Medical Centers-Appleton and -Neenah. He wanted to volunteer so he could help out and be of some value to someone. He also enjoys meeting new people. Hemme is committed to volunteering, picking up many open shifts and rarely missing his own. His commitment to volunteering and serving others runs deep. He also volunteers at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, the polls in Menasha, the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Community Blood Center.
Joan Hayes, Finding Fresh Purpose
Joan shares: “I started at Theda Clark Hospital in 1960, first as a licensed practical nurse, and later, after encouragement from Mr. Gerald Aldridge, I went back to school for respiratory therapy. I worked at Theda Clark for 43 years and retired in 2004. I was there to watch the new center and south wing additions as well as many other changes along the way. In 1982, we became a trauma center, and ThedaStar helicopter arrived in 1986. After retirement, I found that I missed the staff and patients, so I became a volunteer. Being here gives me a sense of purpose.”
Other Outstanding Volunteers
Nancy LeBeouf has completed 49 years/9,880 hours of service and counting. She’s the longest-serving volunteer ThedaCare and now gives her time at the print center. Nancy is shown here with Jan Gauger, a longtime ICU volunteer who has logged more than 5,400 hours of service.
Jackie Protheroe has logged the most volunteer service time, with more than 14,500 hours completed. She has served in several areas of ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah throughout the years. She also is a dedicated knitter, who makes baby hats, booties and children’s toys.
Immeasurable Impact
Reybrock celebrates the contributions of all ThedaCare volunteers. “Their stories are great because they have lived a life full of experiences that help them empathize with our patients and guests. It is humbling and rewarding to see their generosity in action.”
