Dionne is ‘super’ volunteer

To the editor:
    In 1974 President Nixon signed an executive order to establish a week of celebration to honor volunteerism. This year National Volunteer Week is being observed from April 27th to May 3rd. Nation-wide hundreds of thousands of volunteers give generously of their time and hearts. There is a very special and talented group of volunteers that I am especially proud of. They are hospice volunteers who accompany people on one of life’s most challenging journeys – the end of life.     Hospice of Aroostook held the Hospice Volunteer Appreciation Day on April 19th to honor the 128 volunteers who have provided a total of 3,295 hours and traveled 19,834 miles throughout Aroostook in 2007. Volunteers were awarded with Years of Service pins. Volunteers received pins for each year they have been volunteering with the program. Awards ranged from one year to the most veteran volunteer, Therese Dionne, who has been a dedicated volunteer for 23 years. Hospice of Aroostook deeply appreciates the contribution of time, energy, compassion, care and desire to help that hospice volunteers have so generously offered to the program, patients and families.
    Hospice involves a team-oriented approach of expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s wishes. Hospice volunteers help make this special care possible. Volunteers are there to hold a hand, listen, read, visit, run an errand, provide respite, help out in the office, or provide support with special projects such as making memory quilts.
    A thank you note from a family member stated, “In our time of crisis, Hospice of Aroostook was there to help us shoulder the task of caring for our loved one. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, professional nature and ability to help in our time of need. It is a testimony to the valuable service you provide our community. Your volunteers are a very special class of people. They care for those in such need and do so effortlessly. The family does not have to worry because their loved one is in good hands. We are so grateful.”
    I certainly agree that the hospice volunteers are a very special class of volunteers. They must complete a 30 hour training before they may even make a visit to a patient and family. It is a true indication of their sincerity and commitment to help others and I am very proud of every one of our Hospice of Aroostook volunteers!
Robin Holmes
Senior Volunteer Program manager
Hospice of Aroostook