Kansas City,
22
March
2017
|
17:00 PM
America/Chicago

Children’s Mercy Volunteers in the Spotlight

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Last year more than 1,000 Children’s Mercy volunteers who work in the hospital gave more than 67,000 hours of their time to make life a little better for children and families. As part of National Volunteer Week (April 23-29), leaders in the Children’s Mercy Volunteer Services Department selected one individual and one corporation to receive annual honors. Read their stories below as well as a story about another volunteer who recently received special recognition in Ingram’s magazine.

All in-hospital CM volunteers will be celebrated for their compassion and commitment at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 24.

Yvonne Craig, 2016 Children’s Mercy Volunteer of the Year

Known for her beautiful, loving spirit, Yvonne Craig is the 2016 Children’s Mercy Volunteer of the Year. Always ready to offer support, compassion and comfort, Yvonne responds to every call for help, even when it means being there for patients and families facing the most difficult situations. Since 2001, she has given more than 1,800 hours to help families find their way through the hospital, deliver treats and comfort items, and coordinate patient activities in the Great Heights Clinic. Most recently, Yvonne stepped up to help when she heard that families who arrive at the hospital early in the morning for same day surgery were having trouble finding the operating suites. She has been instrumental in putting a successful wayfinding trial in place to help those families and to help the hospital improve efficiencies.

Turner Construction, 2016 Children’s Mercy Corporate Volunteer of the Year

Corporate volunteers show up in huge numbers to help kids and families at Children’s Mercy. Turner Construction, our Corporate Volunteer of the Year, brings groups of volunteers to lead evening programs for patients who may not otherwise leave their rooms. Turner Construction volunteers share time and conversation with patients, give caregivers a much-needed break, lead crafts projects and truly care in a way that lets our patients and families know they are not alone. The company also organizes volunteer-run events that raise thousands of dollars to support the Children’s Mercy mission of providing care for every child, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

CM Volunteer Betty Jo Marder, Ingrams Kansas City Health Care Hero

Ingram’s magazine recently recognized Betty Jo Marder as one of their annual “Heroes in Healthcare” for her nearly three decades of service at Children’s Mercy. Having touched countless people through 7,575 hours of volunteer service since 1990, Betty Jo now helps families whose children are in the most life-threatening circumstances find respite in the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Every time a family meets Betty Jo and sees the warm, comforting smile she offers without effort, they feel some sense of relief. Hospital staff say they feel the same way. In Children’s Mercy recovery rooms, Betty Jo helps by cleaning surgery carts and providing patients with blankets or drinks as they recover after surgery.

Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Children's Mercy.