Page 35 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2025 - Online Magazine

OPPORTUNITY
TO Serve

The HEART of Volunteering

by Tammy Jasper

A Personal Journey their youth, reading to them volunteer with Hospice of Lubbock
because they can no longer since 2016. Her dedication and
Volunteering holds see, playing a game, or kindness have made a significant
a very special simply sitting in a garden to impact on the lives of the patients she
place in my heart. enjoy the day, these acts of serves. One of the ways Hilary goes
My journey began love have a profound impact above and beyond is by bringing
as a teenager, on someone navigating the lunch to her patients every visit,
volunteering journey of life. ensuring they enjoy delicious meals
with the Special together.
Olympics. The For patients with family
experience caregivers, our volunteers But Hilary’s care doesn’t stop there.
was incredibly provide much-needed She also reads books to her patients,
rewarding, not just Tammy Jasper respite. They give family engaging in thoughtful discussions
for me, but for the members a break to run about the stories they share. This not
amazing athletes errands, attend doctor’s only provides intellectual stimulation
competing. Seeing the joy in their appointments, or simply take a but also fosters a deep emotional
eyes as they crossed the finish line moment to breathe without worrying connection between them.
and receiving that special hug was about their loved one being alone.
unforgettable. It meant so much to Volunteers can also help in our office Understanding the importance of
them to have someone cheering them with filing, phone calls, or mailers, staying connected, Hilary often helps
on, and I was hooked. There is no ensuring that all our patients receive her patients FaceTime with distant
greater gift than giving your time the care they need. family members. These virtual visits
and attention, and the love a person bring joy and comfort to both the
receives in return is most rewarding. Volunteers provide essential services patients and their family members,
that might otherwise be unavailable, bridging the physical distance with
When the opportunity arose to significantly improving the quality love and conversation.
become the Volunteer Coordinator of life for many. Volunteering helps
for Hospice of Lubbock, I jumped individuals develop new skills, gain Hilary’s unwavering commitment
in with both feet. Although finding experience, and build confidence. and compassionate actions
people willing to volunteer their time It offers opportunities to meet new exemplify the true spirit of hospice
can be challenging, it is a challenge I people, fostering friendships and a care. Her efforts bring comfort,
am more than willing to take on. The sense of belonging. companionship, and a sense of
patients and families we serve are the normalcy to her patients’ lives,
most important part of our jobs. For In every act of volunteering, there making each day a little brighter.
some patients is a ripple effect of kindness and
without compassion that touches countless Jane Barnes
family, having lives. Whether you are directly and the 373
a volunteer interacting with patients or Memory
means the supporting behind the scenes, your Bears
world to contribution makes a difference. Jane Barnes
them. It is The love and attention you give are has also been
someone who invaluable, and the rewards you a dedicated
shows up and receive in return are beyond measure. volunteer
says, “I am with Hospice
here for you.” Hilary Petersen: A Beacon of of Lubbock
Whether it’s Kindness and Connection since
Hilary Petersen listening to Hilary Petersen has been a cherished February Jane Barnes
stories from

Lubbock Senior Link 35