Memorial Health System
This month, Kate Simmons has been selected as our Volunteer Spotlight. When asked if there was anything important that others would need to know about her, she responded, “I can’t think of anything to know about me. I’m pretty ordinary and just like to help where needed.” I can tell you from personal experience, Kate is anything but ordinary. Full of compassion and a drive to help other, Kate has served Hospice of Dickinson County for the last ten years as a volunteer.
Throughout her ten year stent with Hospice, Kate has helped with several events the agency hosts for families, the community, and volunteers alike. “I have helped with the annual picnic, volunteer banquet, the candlelight ceremony, and I did walk in the Chapman Labor Day parade, but I am just too old for that anymore; I’ll just cheer from the sideline now.” Kate has donated countless hours to these events, but even more hours to families and patients who have utilized Hospice services. “I have had the privilege to volunteer for so many wonderful people. One that really sticks out in my mind was a man that I was a friend and co-worker to. When I knew he was coming home on comfort measures, I was afraid I would get a call to be his volunteer, and I wasn’t sure that I could handle it personally. Yes, I did get a call from the Volunteer Coordinator, and she said that when she was speaking to him about hospice care he said he would be “comfortable” with me if I would come visit him. How could I turn down a compliment like that? I’m not sure I helped him very much, but he surely did make a difference in my life.”
There are a lot of misconceptions regarding hospice, Kate has this to say, “So many people hear the word hospice and it is scary. They put off getting help from hospice. They don’t realize that there is so much hospice can do for them; both the patient and family.” Putting off hospice care until the final weeks of life is something we have been witnessing more and more as an agency here lately. A key question I like to ask as the Volunteer Coordinator is, why did you decide to volunteer for hospice? “After I retired, I wanted to do some volunteer work, and I thought hospice was a place where I could hopefully make a difference for someone. I took the training and found it so rewarding for me. Being a volunteer involves both happy and sad times. I feel that if I can do anything to help the patient and family get through this difficult time, it’s time well spend on my part. I worked at Chapman Valley Manor for over 20 years, and helping others is just something I need to do.” Not only does she help Hospice, but she also volunteers with the Card and Craft Group through the Volunteer Corporation at Memorial Health System and her church. Kate also serves on the Hospice Advisory Board. This past January, she was elected Vice President.
Kate has a multitude of stories from her years with patients, but a recent encounter felt a little “extra” special to her. “Recently, a lady I was volunteering for just opened up and told me her life story, and it wasn’t an easy life. It was like she wanted to get her story told, and I was so happy to be able to listen to her. I definitely have a lot of respect for her and her courage.” One of the biggest things our volunteers can take from hospice patients are life lessons, Kate says the toughest one she has learned through volunteering is “you have to play the cards that are dealt to you- meaning make the most of your situation. There are some things in life that we have no control over.”
Hospice of Dickinson County is so thankful for the donated time and effort from Kate and other volunteers like her. For her closing statement she wanted to share this with others considering volunteering. “Don’t think you couldn’t be a hospice volunteer. If I can do it, so can you!”
If you are interested in volunteer for hospice, please reach out to me, Taylor Knauss, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 785-263-6630.
