James R. Downing, President and Chief Executive Officer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, posted on LinkedIn:
“Last night was our annual Volunteer Appreciation event, where we recognize that St. Jude would not be the place of hope and healing it is today without our volunteers and our other supporters.
One of our St. Jude moms illustrated this last night, sharing the first time a volunteer came to her son’s room and asked if she needed anything. The exhausted mom had barely left her son’s side. When the volunteer offered to sit with her son while she took a walk in the fresh air and recharge, it meant the world to her.
‘Volunteers were providing more than just a service,’ she said. ‘They were providing relief and connection to patients and caregivers. For many families, seeing volunteers in their purple aprons symbolized a return to normal, to comfort, and to human connection during a very difficult time.’
During this Volunteer Appreciation Week at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – it’s a time for us to thank the volunteers at St. Jude, our housing programs and our caregiver advisers, as well as those serving at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – ALSAC.
Whether they are playing with patients or giving parents a much-needed break, the generosity of our volunteers leaves a lasting impression on all they serve.
If you’re interested in volunteering for St. Jude, please visit our volunteer hub.”
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