In the words of our volunteers…

Ammar Ali – C.S. Mott Hospital Volunteer (7 East Hematology/Oncology Unit)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I have always loved spending time with children, whether it be with my baby cousins, my nieces and nephews, or babysitting. I often find myself running and jumping around in circles while having the time of my life, memories I cherish from my own childhood. Therefore, when I was researching places to volunteer, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital caught my eye. To be under the renowned umbrella of Michigan Medicine made my decision even easier.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most gratifying part of my volunteer experience so far has definitely been the sentiments and smiles I have received from the wonderful patients at Mott. One distinct experience I can recall is when a patient had told me I was his best friend, a “trickster,” and the “funniest dude.” Hearing him say this made me realize the significance just spending time with someone can have on their emotional and mental states. 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

To others interested in becoming a Michigan Medicine Volunteer, I would say that the time I’ve spent every week here is something I hold dear to my heart, and the friendships and experiences I have had at Mott will stay with me forever. To make a child who is going through so much on a daily basis smile, laugh, and enjoy themselves is more powerful than what any material or monetary gift can provide.

Jared Wadley – Therapaws Volunteer Pet: Legend

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

As part of Therapaws, I wanted to share my well-behaved, gentle dog with those who were hospitalized. Having a therapy dog that interacts with the patients and staff is rewarding because I can see on their faces how much joy our visits mean. 

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

There are special moments that confirm why volunteers are important. For me, it’s more than bringing a dog to the hospital (usually Mott). I’ve been able to advocate responsible pet ownership because often people will say “my dog couldn’t do what your dog does” or “my dog is not well-behaved.” I remind them that if they are consistent with exercising and training over a series of months with their dogs, it’s not impossible to have a pup like Legend. Because of my words, I’ve had people refer to me as a “dog whisperer” or “dog trainer.”

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

It is important that you’re willing to consistently dedicate your time for at least two years. The patients and staff count on your assistance, so become a volunteer if you have that commitment. 

Angel Mwila – C.S. Mott Hospital and University Hospital Volunteer (Children’s Emergency Services and 4C Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I started volunteering at Michigan medicine because I wanted to experience the community service opportunities taking place at my local hospital. As a pre-med student, I wanted to gain this exposure and better my understanding of the inner workings of a hospital as it applies to my future career path.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most gratifying part of being a Michigan Medicine volunteer is the shared unity and appreciation. Working beside doctors, nurses and other medical staff as a volunteer has allowed me to be a part of the interdependency of working at a hospital. The triage nurses can count on me to offer smiles and good spirits to the patients in the waiting room, the physicians could count on the nurses to care for their patients, and the patients could count on Michigan Medicine that they are in good hands. 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

For anyone considering being a Michigan Medicine volunteer, I’d encourage them to deeply consider every volunteer role and placement being offered at that time. Throughout volunteering, my interests and desires for my role and responsibilities have changed after each term. For that, I’d urge them to remember that adjusting to new volunteer placements may take some time, but it will get better. Please come with an open mind, bright spirit and take advantage of the different volunteer opportunities being offered around the hospital! 

Omosiuwa Enakpene – University Hospital Volunteer (6B Internal Medicine Unit)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I decided to volunteer rto get more experience when it comes to interacting with patients and forming meaningful connections with the patients, nurses and doctors. I was particularly excited to be able to provide a friendly face in the unit by assisting in any way I could.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most gratifying part of my volunteer experience is when the nurse or patients express their gratitude which shows how important our role as a volunteer is to help relieve stress and assist in making our units run more smoothly. It has also been so interesting being able to talk to some of the staff in the unit when talking about my goals and aspirations and them giving me helpful advice.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

I would tell them to do it! It has been so enlightening so far, and I always leave my shifts with some sort of new knowledge from observing and/or talking with the nurses and asking questions. It’s such a fulfilling experience, especially when there is some patient interaction involved. 

Rochelle Igrisan – C.S. Mott Hospital Volunteer (11 West Pediatric Cardiology)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM?  

I’m a retired NICU/Peds nurse. I missed the contact with babies. I do other volunteering as well. I want to give back to the community.  

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

I love the satisfaction of calming and comforting a baby. Often, parents are not able to be with their child in the hospital. I’m so happy to provide cuddles and reading. Hearing the human voice and touch is so important to child development.  

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

Volunteering is an incredible experience for me. No amount of money could replace the joy I get in being helpful and comforting to the babies. The smiles and look in their eyes is priceless. Your skills can be used in so many situations.  

Elizabeth Ajaero – Kellogg Eye Center Volunteer (Pre-Op/Post-Op Escort)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM?  

As a junior preparing to apply to medical school, I knew that volunteering with Michigan Medicine would allow me to better understand the skills that make an excellent healthcare professional. By assisting patients and staff, I purposed to not only fulfill my desire to serve but also to learn through experience the pains and sacrifices healthcare professionals make to provide their patients with the best care possible.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most rewarding part of my experience as a volunteer would have to be the moments when I feel truly needed. Whether I am making bedrolls or restocking slots, regardless of the task, I feel most fulfilled when I can tell I alleviated even a little of the workload of the workers around me and made a patient’s experience more enjoyable.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer?  

To anyone interested in volunteering with Michigan Medicine, I would say what are you waiting for? Just do it. I loved my experience as a Michigan Medicine Volunteer and as long as you take on this role with a desire to serve others you will too!

Christopher Radcliff – University Hospital Volunteer (5B Med/Surgical Unit)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM?  

I was a volunteer in the ER at my local hospital before coming to U-M. I enjoyed spending time with and caring for patients while learning about the hospital system—so much so that I wanted to continue the volunteer experience at Michigan Medicine. Michigan Medicine has a very impressive reputation, so the opportunity to be a small part of that is a privilege.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience?  

I enjoy most anything that involves interacting with patients and their families. Patients struggle with any number of problems in the hospital, as do their loved ones. Being a volunteer, I cannot help with direct medical care to support them, but I have found that just being there to talk and listen to some of their stresses can make them a little more relaxed. A hospital can be overwhelming, so being able to take care of small errands for patients and their families seems to make a difference. That is wonderful to see.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

If you have the time, it is a very rewarding program. You can make a genuine difference in the lives of people who are going through a tough time. You don’t have to want to be a doctor one day, or a nurse, or anything in the medical field to volunteer. It is a great place for anyone who wants to serve their community to help.

Mark Sandstrom – Gifts of Art Music While You Wait Volunteer

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I’m a musician and I believe in the soothing power of music to mitigate restlessness, ease anxiety and even promote healing.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

Patients and their families who approach me in the lobby to introduce themselves and they validate my reasons for volunteering at Michigan Medicine in ways that paying gigs and tip jars simply can’t compare or compete with.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

The rewards for volunteering at Michigan Medicine will not only exceed your expectations they will surpass your imagination.

Karen Ensor – C.S. Mott Hospital Volunteer (NICU)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I was looking for a way to give back through volunteering and my nieces, who are nurses, suggested I might like helping in the NICU.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

There are many ways we help the NICU but the most gratifying part is when you can calm a distressed baby. 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

Just go for it! There are many volunteer jobs, you’ll easily find one that suits your skills. My experience has been twice as rewarding for me personally, as it is helpful for the hospital. My volunteer day is a highlight of my week. 

Jessica Kunder – C.S. Mott Hospital Volunteer (NICU)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I spent a lot of time in and out of Mott with my daughter I wanted to volunteer to be there to help others going through a challenging time 

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most gratifying part is helping and holding the babies. To be a small part of putting smiles on their faces.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

I would tell others that volunteering is an amazing experience. To help give back to others who are going through a hard time. It has become one the things I look forward to each week.

Anna Krisher – C.S. Mott Hospital Volunteer (PACU – Pediatric Ambulatory Care Unit)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I really enjoy working in the hospital with different kinds of people and it is rewarding to know that I am helping people. Pediatric surgery is a place where both the kids and the parents are nervous and unsure about things. Volunteering at the pediatric “Frog Desk” allows me be part of patients and parents having a better experience.  

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most gratifying thing is knowing that I am making a difference. There are times that I can be the one to make someone have a better day. And I have met some very nice people throughout my volunteering experience. 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

If someone is thinking about working in the medical field, then volunteering is a good way to learn about what happens in the hospital and to see the different types of jobs in person. You will also meet some great people. 

Jeanette Kibler – Therapaws Volunteer Pet: Stout

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I was a Japanese interpreter with Interpreter Services for many years, and when I retired in 2016, I wanted to stay connected to Michigan Medicine, caring for patients and staff. I continued as a temp until all temps were terminated during the COVID-19 pandemic. My husband and I acquired Stout in the summer of 2016.  We were volunteering at the hospital on the adolescent psychiatric unit until that also ended with COVID-19. We have volunteered at other events, but I especially like working at Michigan Medicine.  

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The smiles on people’s faces when they meet Stout.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

There are so many ways to bless the lives of people who need a moment of comfort and/or joy.

Kristin Johnson – University Hospital Volunteer (Adult Emergency Services)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I am an undergraduate student at U-M. As a pre-med student and aspiring doctor, I think it’s important to have experience in the medical field to better understand what it is truly like to work in healthcare. I couldn’t imagine a better place to gather healthcare experience than at Michigan Medicine!

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

I volunteer in the emergency department. Hands down, the most gratifying part of what I do is hand out warm blankets to patients and visitors in the waiting room. Though small, it has a big impact in making the waiting for healthcare a little bit easier. I love being able to provide that comfort to people, and know it makes a difference every time I make someone smile by handing them a blanket.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

If you enjoy helping others or are considering a job in health care (or both!), I encourage you to volunteer at Michigan Medicine! Michigan Medicine has a broad array of volunteer opportunities to suit a variety of interests and skills. And regardless of the volunteer position you choose, you will make a difference in people’s lives, whether big or small. I’m so thankful to help people through my volunteer position, and to be a part of Michigan Medicine. Go Blue!

Tobi Margolis – University Hospital Volunteer (8B General Medicine Telemetry)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I decided to become a volunteer at Michigan Medicine because I had an interest in providing positive patient care experiences, and I wanted to gain exposure to a new health care setting as I’m interested in pursuing a field in health care.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most gratifying part of my volunteer experience has been seeing how my presence in my volunteer unit has been helpful to the nursing staff, as well as knowing that I have been able to contribute to patients’ experiences while they are here at Michigan Medicine. 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

I would tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer that it is a great opportunity and experience for anyone interested in contributing to the well-being of patients and hospital staff or getting exposed to the health care field.

Lana King – C.S. Mott Hospital Volunteer (7 East – Patient Pal )

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I decided to volunteer at Michigan Medicine to give back to the community and support those who are experiencing difficult times in their life.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

I have really enjoyed engaging with the children at Mott through crafts, games, and other activities. I love seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing that I hopefully brought some light to their day!

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

I would definitely encourage those people to apply to volunteer at Michigan Medicine. It has been a very rewarding experience.

Karen Stern – Gift Shop Volunteer

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I was asked to volunteer at the East Ann Arbor (EAA) gift shop by another of our ace volunteers, Jenny Carpenter. It is very close to where I live and the two-hour commitment was easy enough to handle. We both have children the same age and had just sent them off to U-M. I enjoyed working at the EAA shop and so I volunteered to work at the Mott shop on another day when the new shop opened. 

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

I enjoy working at Mott as we always have a wonderful supply of items to keep patients occupied and happy. I enjoy being able to work with the families and helping them find something special for whomever they are visiting in the hospital. 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

I love working at the gift shops. I have worked at Main, EAA and Mott. They are all a little bit different in clientele and items carried. But the main purpose, to help families be more comfortable in the hospital, is still the same. We are also appreciative of the staff who allow us, with their purchases, to fund programs for patients and their families. It is gratifying, in our little way, to be able to help others.

Bailey Bowman – University Hospital Volunteer (6B Internal Medicine Unit)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

I decided to volunteer because I had some extra time in my schedule, and I wanted to find a way to give back and help others. I also would like to attend medical school, so this is an exciting opportunity. It is also a great way to gain experience in the field! 

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

The most gratifying part of my volunteer experience is patient interaction. Whenever I check on a patient, I always walk away feeling gratified because I know I made their hospital stay a bit more enjoyable. 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer?

I would tell them that they should definitely do it! It’s a great experience, and you really are, firsthand, giving back to the community. 

Andreea Beu – University Hospital Volunteer (6B Internal Medicine and Friends Gift Shop)

Why did you decide to volunteer at MM? 

Prior to attending U-M, I volunteered at a couple local rehabilitation centers and clinics in my hometown, giving me memorable experiences and ultimately inspired me to look for similar opportunities in Ann Arbor too. In this search, I ended up turning to Michigan Medicine because it is a remarkable institution that is very open to accepting students. The program caters to students by offering them an opportunity to interact with patients in a hospital setting, in a variety of fields, gaining exposure to the potential future they want to pursue.

For me, I felt like volunteering at Michigan Medicine was the perfect outlet to get involved in the community positively, where I could directly see the impact that I was having on the patients, as I knew that the couple minutes I spent with them could not only be a source of distraction but would also be beneficial for my own future and education. Furthermore, during a time when the health care system is already strained, I felt my couple hours of volunteering would also serve as a beacon of support for health care professionals, specifically nurses and nurses’ aides, as I answer call lights and stock their supply carts.

What has been the most gratifying part of your volunteer experience? 

While I have found gratification in many aspects of my volunteer experience, both in the UH gift shop and in internal medicine on 6B, the most rewarding part of both is being able to be there for individuals by helping them even in the smallest ways and hearing them express their immediate gratitude for you. Specifically, for example, on 6B, when I answer a call light for a patient asking for a charger to be picked up or a pillow, or even a warm blanket, their happiness when I fulfill this request is unlike the joy I see in other aspects of my life. This holds the same for when I enter the rooms for hourly rounding, and the patients get excited to see me, and to be asked if they can be helped with anything, or to even have someone they can talk to. These genuine patient interactions are no doubt the most gratifying part of my volunteer experience at Michigan Medicine.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming a Michigan Medicine volunteer? 

DO IT! You may feel nervous about taking this step and immersing yourself into a healthcare setting as renowned as Michigan Medicine, but it is the best way to learn and experience the diversity in a hospital setting. As a volunteer, you are provided with guidance from the beginning, and everyone is more than willing to help you, so don’t worry about making mistakes or asking questions. Even the smallest gestures can make the biggest differences, so don’t let anything hold you back from getting involved at Michigan Medicine!

Monish Mukhiya, AAMOW Volunteer

Why did you decide to volunteer at Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels?

Since my teen years, I have volunteered for one organization or another. A few years ago, I came to learn about AAMOW and how crucial it is for providing nourishing meals to elderly and people with disabilities, which made me want to be a small part of it.

What is your favorite aspect of volunteering at AAMOW?

The gratitude our clients have when you deliver their meals.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming AAMOW volunteers?

Absolutely go for it! You meet amazing people, you know that you made a positive impact in someone’s life, and you get a couple of hours to yourself driving around and spending the time with yourself.

Mark Hoffman, AAMOW Volunteer

Why did you decide to volunteer at Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels?

I recently retired from Ford Motor Company and was looking for ways to give back to the community and help others less fortunate. My mom was a MOW volunteer back in the 70’s so I thought that would be a good place to start.

What is your favorite aspect of volunteering at AAMOW?

Connecting with the clients is definitely my favorite part. Even though it’s just a brief visit, the smiles and gratitude you get from the clients (and staff) make my day!

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming AAMOW volunteers?

I always encourage others to volunteer, saying it’s only 90 minutes of your time and the clients really appreciate it. Plus, the AAMOW staff is really organized and make it as easy as possible on the volunteers. I assure them it is something they won’t regret and will most likely really enjoy.

Laurie Jessup, AAMOW Volunteer

Why did you decide to volunteer at Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels?

AAMOW is an excellent service for the community. I first volunteered on some Saturdays in the early 2000’s, when they were located in the old U-M Kellogg Eye Center building where I worked. In December 2020, I started delivering meals again after retiring from KEC.

What is your favorite aspect of volunteering at AAMOW?

Getting to visit with some of the chattier clients on my two consistent routes has been my favorite part of delivering meals, but helping to brighten anyone’s day is highly rewarding. Clients frequently express their gratitude for having meals delivered to their homes, especially on bad weather days.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming AAMOW volunteers?

I’ve had a positive volunteer experience with AAMOW, and it’s one of many things in my life that help me feel useful. Their staff is friendly and will provide training for eligible individuals who want to be a part of the team. There’s also phone support for questions or problems that may arise when out on the delivery route, which is so helpful. For anyone considering this experience, give it a try. Lots of homebound clients will be thankful you did!

Lyn Kelly, AAMOW Volunteer

Why did you decide to volunteer at Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels?

As a new retiree, I was looking for a way to help my neighbors during COVID-19. 

What is your favorite aspect of volunteering at AAMOW?

Getting the food to the people! 

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming AAMOW volunteers?

You make a real, concrete difference in lives of people, you help them stay in their own homes when shopping and cooking become difficult; AND you get out of your own house into the world, AND you get to see parts of the city you probably don’t know, AND at least one person says God bless you every day.

Angela & Douglas Madaras, AAMOW Volunteers

Why did you decide to volunteer at Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels?

My husband was the one who suggested we try it out. We had been looking at a few ways we could help our community and Meals on Wheels covered two very important areas of interest for us which were bringing healthy meals to those in need and helping people with health concerns making it challenging or perhaps impossible to buy groceries and prepare meals. I was in hospice for six months and the people who helped by bringing food and other services warmed my heart knowing there were caring people in the world donating their time and resources in a humble way. My husband wanted a way to pay it forward other than donating funds or artwork. In this way both of our desires to help is met.

What is your favorite aspect of volunteering at AAMOW?

We like making connections to people and seeing smiles on their faces. The staff is also wonderful and very caring. It feels as if we are all making an impact in a subtle way. There is a team spirit between staff and volunteers. We love knowing people ate a healthy meal when there would normally only be snack items for their nutrition without AAMOW.

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming AAMOW volunteers?

We tell our friends and family that if they are looking for a way to truly help people who may not have the ability to access hot-healthy meals from a legitimate organization to consider Meals On Wheels. I also tell them it works better with 2 people delivering together to begin with until they learn their route. Some folks are afraid of knocking on a stranger’s door and this is a way to try it out with a partner. Most of the clients are extremely gracious and friendly. They enjoy having contact from the outside world and at times cards from children and seasonal gifts.

Todd Austin, Valeria Bertacco and family, AAMOW Volunteers

Why did you decide to volunteer at Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels?

We started volunteering during the shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. We read an article talking about how Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels was still operating during the shutdown, and it seemed to us the perfect activity to get out of the house and be together as a family!

What is your favorite aspect of volunteering at AAMOW?

For us, we enjoy interacting with the clients. Most clients are eager to chat a bit, and they love talking to our two boys, Marco and Renzo, who also deliver meals with us. We also enjoy optimizing our delivery routes, which we have down to a science. One person drives, while the other person prepares the next delivery in transit. The boys are opening the black delivery bags for packing (which can be a real challenge!).

What would you tell others who are thinking about becoming AAMOW volunteers?

As far as volunteering opportunities goes, AAMOW is a great option to consider. It is easy to get the work done because the AAMOW staff is very helpful, and they meticulously prepare everything so all you have to do is follow your route checklist. Volunteering is also very flexible and can be easily worked around even the most hectic schedules — just let the AAMOW staff know when you are available, and a calendar invite shows up when you are needed! Finally, volunteering with AAMOW is very rewarding, the clients are always happy to meet the volunteers and get their deliveries!