Gart Urban, Brevard County, Volunteer of the Year 2004
I am …an ambassador
a charmer
a fighter
a messenger

When joining the Brevard County program in January, 2004, Gart first volunteered for a patient who was unhappy in his assisted living facility. He helped the patient move to another local facility by first investigating other places, then assisting with the actual move. In addition to his terminal condition, the patient had other physical ailments. Gart took him to doctor appointments and ran his errands. He made long distance phone calls at his own expense to the patient’s loved ones in South Florida to keep them abreast of his condition. Whatever was needed, he did.

Gart eventually moved on to the other patients. Born in Germany, Gart still has a European way about him which seems to help make his female patients feel special. When visiting his patients, he brings a small gift, like a donut, chocolate or flowers. He knows just what will prompt that special sparkle in their eyes!

Gart recently visited a patient who lived in an assisted living facility. At first, she was quiet and would have little to do with him … but eventually looked forward to his visits. Gart even had his musically talented children visit this patient and give a concert. His daughter played the violin and his son sang songs. The patient loved her special show. After the patient died, Gart talked about how powerful an experience it was for him to be a part of her life as well as her death.

Gart, 78, is the only VITAS Volunteer who visits patients on Saturdays and Sundays. He recently stayed with one patient a full day so his family could attend a wedding.

Gart recently expanded his role of VITAS Volunteer to VITAS ambassador. When he recently had his car serviced, he sat next to a gentleman while they both waited. Gart started a conversation about VITAS and encouraged him to consider volunteering. Gart got the man’s business card and immediately brought it to Marilyn Cromer, Brevard’s Volunteer Services Manager. The man is now a VITAS Volunteer.

Though once an industrial designer, Gart suffered neurological damage 10 years ago and as a result, cannot write well enough to complete his volunteer notes. That hasn’t stopped him, though. He learned to type his notes on a computer…and though he remains under a physician’s care, his spirit is upbeat and compassionate and the love in his heart for VITAS patients is incredibly unique and wonderful to behold.

“Gart epitomizes the VITAS Values and is loved and respected by patients, families and staff,” said Marilyn. “I know he will continue to be a VITAS Volunteer for as long as he is physically able. Hospice is his mission in life.”

Victor Page, San Gabriel, Volunteer of the Year 2003

One year ago, a hospice patient and his wife needed emotional support. After speaking with the inpatient care team, the couple agreed to meet Victor, a new VITAS Volunteer.

“From the first day, I knew that Victor had the right compassion, drive and dedication to improve another’s quality of life,” said the team nurse. “Victor’s warmth and sincere joy in being with this patient seemed to be the answer for this couple.”

The patient’s wife agrees. “Vic was introduced to us a companion … today we call him our friend,” she said. “Each time he visits, he greets me with a hug and takes time to ask about our children, remembering them all by name. He’s great at making me feel normal for the moment. But the most impressive quality about Vic is that my husband’s interests have become his.”

In the patient’s chart, Victor notes his final visit with the husband:

My patient was sleeping soundly when I arrived. I tried waking him by softly stroking his right hand. He did not awaken. I just sat there with him, occasionally stroking the back of his hand. This is the first visit that my patient did not wake up. I just stayed with him for 30 minutes, then called his wife to let her know everything was alright.

Victor is a hospice advocate and the greatest example of a VITAS Volunteer.

Barbara Rowin, Central Florida, Volunteer of the Year 2002

With more than 3,000 accumulated hours as a VITAS volunteer, Barbara has been advocating for and making a difference in the lives of her patients and families in Central Florida for more than four years.

With a resilient heart and calling for bereavement care, she reaches out into the community as a representative of VITAS.

Having suffered the loss of two people dear to her, Barbara applies her personal experiences when consoling others. “Barbara knows what people need to heal from their losses,” said Linn Wheeler, Central Florida’s Volunteer Manager. “She provides a comfort that is soothing, calming, like that of no other.”

Each month, Barbara organizes emotional and social support groups for those in mourning. She makes calls to prospective attendees and then thoughtfully plans the gatherings to be held at participants’ favorite restaurants. Over the phone and at these support dinners, she makes everyone feel important by listening with a loving heart to their personal stories of pain and growth.

Barbara also coordinates pot luck dinners in which family members make memorable dishes and reminisce about their loved ones. “Barbara’s dedication to her patients and families surpasses any expectation VITAS could ask of her,” said Linn.

“Barbara is always upbeat and positive, bringing joy to each event she participates in. She is a devoted mother, a loving grandmother, and an exceptional volunteer who truly cares for those she serves.”

Thank you, Barbara, for your love, dedication and loyalty to VITAS and its patients and families. You are a godsend to everyone around you!

John Smith, Cincinnati, Volunteer of the Year 2001
John has exhibited the value “Patients and families come first’’ numerous times. John is very dedicated and spends as much time as he can with his patients, providing companionship and support. On many occasions, John has been available on short notice to help the teams. On one occasion, the program’s volunteer manager asked if he was available to accompany a patient to a doctor’s appointment. John was supposed to leave for vacation that day but postponed his trip. He casually told the volunteer manager, “It’s all right, I wasn’t planning to leave until later any way. The patient is more important.”

Another time, the brother of a very sick patient died. The two brothers had been inseparable throughout their lives, even as roommates in a long term care facility. Sensing this patient’s emotional pain, John spent five hours of his time escorting the patient by ambulance to his brother’s funeral. One of John’s co-workers said, “I believe there is no greater gift to be given in this desperate moment of need. Thank you, John, for your compassionate support.”

Thanks to John’s commitment, he offers patients and families needed support on a daily basis. His willingness, warmth, flexibility and generosity make John the ideal Volunteer of the Year. Thank you, John, for all you do for VITAS’ patients and families.