The Volunteer Voice - Roswell Park Cancer Institute

 The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 1
The Volunteer
Voice
SERVICE TO OTHERS IS THE PAYMENT YOU MAKE FOR YOUR SPACE HERE ON EARTH Ȃ MUHAMMAD ALI Just to Let You
Know«
by Debra L. Miga When I started to work in the Volunteer Office in August 2003, there were 301 active volunteers. As of today, June 25, 2012, we have 588 active volunteers. What are the ”‡ƒ•‘•ˆ‘”–Š‹•‹…”‡†‹„Ž‡‰”‘™–Šǫ‡ŽŽǡŽ‡–ǯ•
see what you, the volunteers, have said. When asked on your volunteer application form why you would like to volunteer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, here are some of the answers you gave: 1)
2)
I am a cancer survivor who was treated at Roswell, and I want to give back. While I was being treated at Roswell I got to know many of the volunteers and as soon as I was able, I too wanted to become a volunteer myself. 4)
Whenever I attend a meeting with other Volunteer Directors, the discussion always turns to recruitment. There seems to be a huge problem attracting and keeping quality volunteers in other hospitals. I am very glad –‘•ƒ›–Šƒ––Š‹•‹•ƒ…ŠƒŽŽ‡‰‡™‡†‘ǯ–Šƒ˜‡
to face here at Roswell ParkǤ‡–ǯ•Ž‘‘ƒ–
some statistics which prove this: Pictured (clockwise from top): Debra L. Miga Ȃ Volunteer Services Administrator Chris Wesley Ȃ Community Volunteer Specialist John Arcadi Ȃ Assistant Coordinator 3)
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I am a former employee of RPCI, and I want to help patients in a more direct way. ‘•™‡ŽŽǯ•‹–‡”ƒ–‹‘ƒŽ”‡’—–ation as a leading cancer hospital. When visiting a family member who was being treated at Roswell, I was very impressed by the care and concern shown by the volunteer force. Another volunteer told me about this program. My doctor actually recommended that, out of all of the local hospitals, I should come to Roswell to volunteer The roswellpark.org website IN THIS ISSUEǥ SPRING 2012 Luncheons in Review!
Our springtime luncheons honoring our brilliant volunteer staff get a full review in this issue! So, clearly it is about giving back, fulfillment, and a sense for the need and importance of the volunteers to the patients and staff at RPCI. Being a volunteer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute means that you become an integral part of all of the good things that are done here. No matter what your volunteer role is, you are doing something that helps makes this hospital a better place for the patients and –Š‡‹”ˆƒ‹Ž‹‡•ǤŠƒ–ǯ•™Š›™Š‡”‡–‹”‡ǡ
want to come back and join you! Thank you for all that you do! Debbie
Blankets from Local Yarn Shop
Warm our Hearts & Patients! Erin Kosich of Embraceable EWE in Hamburg tells us Š‘™Š‡”’”‘‰”ƒ‰‘–•–ƒ”–‡†ƒ†™Š‡”‡‹–ǯ•‰‘‹‰Ǩ 2 The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 Gift Shop Volunteers Set Sail on a New Year, and an RPCI
Doctor Shines Light on a New Program!
by John Arcadi The spring season is all about rebirth and beginning anew, and with that we had two opportunities to look back on the past year, reflect, and send out ‘—”Š‘’‡•ƒ††”‡ƒ•ˆ‘”–Š‡…‘‹‰›‡ƒ”Ǥ‘•™‡ŽŽƒ”ǯ•˜‘Ž—–‡‡”•–ƒ‡’”‹†‡‹™Šƒ––Š‡›†‘ƒ†ƒ‡•—”‡–‘’—––Š‡’ƒ–‹‡–ǯ•‡‡†•ˆ‹”•–Ǥ—”
. †‡’ƒ”–‡–‹••‹‘‹•–‘ƒ‡–Š‡’—„Ž‹…ǯ•‡xperience with Roswell Park Cancer Institute the best one it can be. All of our volunteers serve a unique filled with purpose and work towards that one goal of bettering the patient experience. So it was very fitting to recognize them with two luncheons hope and praise. Introductions and Welcomes On April 14th, our Gift Shop volunteers set sail on a new year by toasting each other and what they were able to accomplish. It was a hazy, tranquil Saturday morning at the Buffalo Yacht Club, the water rippling with sailors practicing in the marina. The day began with mingling as people discussed their weekend plans and some discussed their own memories of sailing. Mary Pinto, Chair of the Gift Shop, greeted everyone and urged them to enjoy the meal they selected. All three meals: the Chicken Caesar salad, the Cuban Sandwich, and the Chicken, Spinach and Pasta dish were delicious. The atmosphere was one of togetherness and joy as Mary Pat Vogt, the Director of the Gift Shop, greeted everyone and welcomed 12 new volunteers to the Gift Shop roster. Tammy Lightcap, who works for the Alliance Foundation as Director of Finance & Operations, congratulated and thanked our volunteers for working hard all last year to raise over half a million dollars. One hundred and fifty thousand dollars of that profit is used to fund the Hospitality Room, the Patient Life, the End of Life/Bereavement Support Program, and other programs and devices used for patient experience enhancements through Quality of Life Grants. Our departm‡–ǯ•˜‡”›‘™‘—‹–›‘Ž—–‡‡”’‡…‹ƒŽ‹•–’‘•‹–‹‘ǡˆ‹ŽŽ‡†„›Š”‹•‡•Ž‡›ǡ‹•ƒŽ•‘
funded through these QOL grants. Hope for a New Program Dr. Lynda Beaupin, our keynote speaker for the day, was then introduced. Dr. Beaupin is from Ontario, Canada and came to Buffalo to do her residency ƒ–‘‡ƒ†Š‹Ž†”‡ǯ•‘•’‹–ƒŽ‘ˆ—ˆˆƒŽ‘•™‹–Š‘•™‡ŽŽƒ”Ǥ She was asked to stay on in December of 2010 and develop the Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer program. The program is now being funded primar‹Ž›–Š”‘—‰Š†‘ƒ–‹‘•ˆ”‘›ƒ‹ŽŽ‡”ǯ•–‡ƒ†ˆƒ•–‘—†ƒ–‹‘ǡ™Š‹…Š
supports cancer patients and their families. She spoke about this new program, its importance and its mission. Pictured from left: Our view of the water Mary Pinto address and welcomes the crowd Shirley Moran speaking to Dr. Beaupin about how the program has helped her nephew 3 The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 John Arcadi by
The Exxon Mobil Corporation donates $2,000 a year to the Volunteer Services department here at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This is all thanks to Melvin Freeman. Mel Freeman volunteers as a Technical Assistant/Carpenter for the Engineering and Maintenance Department. Before that, he worked at Mobil for 43 years. The Mobil Retiree Volunteer Program distributes grants to Mobil retirees who volunteer at certain organizations/agencies. Part of the STAR Grant that Mel has applied for has a policy that donates $500.00 every quarter to the organizations that its past employees volunteer for. All Mel needs to do is volunteer 40 hours every 3 months and Roswell Park receives the grant. *ODYLDQR·V*RRGLHVDQGWKH0HO
Freeman
Grant
by John Arcadi Delicious Treats Prompt New Business Opportunities for Volunteer Pamela Glaviano, a volunteer of two years, is already making quite a name for herself around the lobby. She bakes the most interesting and delicious cupcakes! Pamela has started her own business: Fat Kat Cupcakes. Pamela was kind enough to share one of her refreshing summer cupcake recipes with us! Lemonade Cupcakes 1 cup all-­‐purpose flour ½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. baking soda Pinch salt ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup vegetable oil 2 egg whites 1/3 cup thawed frozen Lemonade Concentrate ¼ cup Buttermilk Yellow food coloring (optional) Lemonade Buttercream ͛…—’•ή͛–„•’Ǥ…‘ˆ‡…–‹‘‡”ǯ••—‰ƒ” 1 stick unsalted butter at room temp 1/8 tsp. salt 2 tbsp. lemonade concentrate Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, egg whites and lemonade concentrate. Alternately whisk in flour and buttermilk, making three additions of flour mixture and two of buttermilk, beating until smooth. Add small amount of food coloring. Fill cupcake lines ¾ full. Bake in preheated oven for 20-­‐25 minutes. Let cool completely. Frosting Ȃ ††„—––‡”ǡ…‘ˆ‡…–‹‘‡”ǯ••—‰ƒ”ǡ
salt, lemon juice and a few drops of food coloring to standing mixer. Mix on low using paddle attachment until combined. Turn speed to med-­‐high until fluffy. Pipe or spread on cooled cupcakes. Enjoy! 5 Things to Know: 1.
Quarterly Donations
Rewarded to Volunteer!
The money goes into our Volunteer Services Department Donation Fund and is used to purchase items that allow the volunteers to help patients and families who visit Roswell. The account balance increases with every grant receipt. So far RPCI has received upwards of $26,000.00. So if you see Mel walking around on Wednesdays, urge him to keep on volunteering! 2.
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šƒ’Ž‡•‘ˆƒ’ƒ–‹‡–ǯ•”‘–‡…–‡†
Health Information, which must be kept confidential at all times, include: Name Birth date Address Telephone # It is highly important that you report sights of insects in the hospital, as well as mold or any water leaks. The Hospitality Room has a daily log which is kept for visitors to sign-­‐in and comment on how well the suite serves their needs! The P.A.S.S. acronym for fire safety stands for Pull the pin Aim at the base of the fire Squeeze the lever Sweep from side to side A Code Pink is called for a missing or abducted person emergency. 4 The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 Knit it Forward!
Erin Kosich is the owner of the Embraceable EWE Yarn Shop on Main Street in Hamburg. As a yarn shop owner, she receives a LOT of yarn donations, mostly from people who have somehow acquired the contents of their —–‹ŽŽ‹‡ǯ•ƒ––‹…ƒ†™ƒ––‘•‡‡–Šƒ––Š‡
yarn gets a good home. Erin is a self-­‐
confessed packrat, and never turns down a yarn donation, but after 10 years in business, the donation collection in her shop (which is in a giant Victorian house that she also lives in with her husband and two young kids) was starting to get a little bit out of control! Erin has a charity knitting group that meets at her shop on Monday nights from 7-­‐9pm, but ‡˜‡–Š‘•‡•‡ƒ•‘‡†‹––‡”•…‘—Ž†ǯ–ƒ‡
a dent in the ever-­‐growing donation pile. Then one day, into the shop walks Bonnie Campbell, a volunteer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She wanted to present Erin with an idea. What if, she proposed, we were to put baskets in all of the Roswell Park waiting areas, filled with yarn, needles, crochet hooks and instructions to make squares? The completed squares could be sewn together and the finished blankets given back to the Roswell patients. What did Erin think? She thought that finally all that yarn insulating her house was going to be put to great use! ”‹ǯ•‘†ƒ›‹‰Š–…Šƒ”‹–›‹––‡”•‰ƒ˜‡–Š‡
program a name, Knit it Forward, and since its beginning over three years ago, the Roswell Park volunteers have been able to distribute over 500 completed blankets!!! Šƒ–ǯ•ƒ‘ˆ™ƒ”-­‐and-­‐fuzzy good wishes. Š‡”‘‰”ƒǯ•”‘‰”‡•• In the years since it started, the program has really grown and taken on a life of its own. Erin has recently become a volunteer at Roswell Park herself. She stops by the hospital at least once a month to check on the baskets (there are about 20 of them currently scattered throughout the waiting rooms), replenish supplies and collect •“—ƒ”‡•Ǥ”‹ǯ•
”ƒ†ƒ‡Ž‡Šƒ•–ƒken on the job of sewing most of the squares together and giving them a crocheted ‡†‰‹‰ǤŠ‡ǯ•͟͠ years old and lives in the ƒ’ƒ”–‡–„‡Š‹†”‹ǯ•›ƒ”•Š‘’ǤŠ‡™ƒ•
•ƒ†„‡…ƒ—•‡•Š‡…‘—Ž†ǯ–‹–ƒ›‘”‡Ȅit bothered her hands, but then she discovered she had no trouble finishing off the blankets. Now that task keeps her busy and gives her a happy purpose! Š‡ƒ‘—–‘ˆDz†‘ƒ–‹‘–”ƒˆˆ‹…dzƒ–Š‡
Embraceable EWE has increased tenfold since the Knit it Forward program startedȄ
not only does she regularly discover lawn-­‐
and-­‐leaf size bags of yarn and squares deposited on her doorstep, she now receives weekly care packages in the mail from various knitting groups (church ministries, –Š‡‡”‹…ƒ‡‰‹‘ǯ•Žƒ†‹‡•ƒ—š‹Ž‹ƒ”›ǡ‡˜‡
assisted living groups as far away as Rochester and Batavia) all embracing the opportunity to get together and knit and crochet for a good causeȄthe patients at Roswell Park! So the next time you see one of those baskets in a corner of a Roswell Park waiting ”‘‘ǡ†‘ǯ–Š‡•‹–ƒ–‡–‘’‹… up needles or a crochet hook, and keep the yarn ball rolling! Pictured from left: Erin Kosich and her family on Easter ”‹ǯ••‘‹––™‡ƒ”‹‰ƒƒ‰ƒ”‘‘
sweater Erin knitted herself Armand Mazzaroppi and Mark Johnson, two valuable Errand/Escort volunteers –”ƒ•’‘”–‹‰”‹ǯ•…”‡ƒ–‹‘•Ǩ 5 The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 Our Volunteers Have the Magic Touch!
by John Arcadi Planning & Execution Two weeks after we honored our Gift Shop volunteers, a luncheon was held to honor all of our dedicated volunteers. The Volunteer Services department knows that our volunteers have the winning ways. Our volunteers help fight cancer by reinvigorating ’ƒ–‹‡–•ǯ•’‹”‹–•–Š”‘—‰Š–Š‡‹”’‘•‹–‹˜‡
attitudes, their assistance, and, of course, a smile. The resulting effect is almost magical. We took this idea and found our theme: Our Volunteers have the Magic Touch. We ran with this and decided upon color schemes and decorations. We even managed to have some magicians come and perform some tricks! Held at the Creekside Banquet facility on Union Road in Cheektowaga, the event was a success with nearly 200 volunteers in attendance. Our event planning committee which consisted of Chris Wesley, Janet Hegedus, Bernie Snusz, Marcia Deuser and Caroline Gilfillan all helped coordinate and execute the event. Once people arrived, four magicians, Lou Cirulli, Kevin and Dennis Jasin and Roswell ƒ”ǯs own Bruce Baum, entertained the crowd with some table magic. After a welcome from Debra Miga, Administrator of Volunteer Services, and an Invocation by Dr. Beth Lenegan of Pastoral Care, it was time to eat and enjoy the program. Dr. Donald Trump and his esteemed colleague Dr. Candace Johnson were also in attendance as they fully understand the importance of honoring one of Roswell Parkǯ•‰”‡ƒ–‡•–”‡•‘—”…‡•ǣ‹–••–ƒˆˆ‘ˆ‘˜‡”͘͝͝
active volunteers. Cindy Eller, Executive Director of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation and Vice President of Development, also came and spoke to the great accomplishments of our volunteer force. Cindy works closely with Debra Miga to oversee the Volunteer Services Department, working to make sure the program is the best it can be. All of our volunteers were being honored and acknowledged that day, but three Gift Shop volunteers in particular were treated to some VIP services. Whispers fell across the hall when a limo pulled up bringing in Amelita Roth, a volunteer of 25 years, her sister Lucy Volland, a volunteer who has served for 30 years and Zita Antholzner, a volunteer being honored for her 35 year commitment to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The three ladies arrived in style and were honored with a water-­‐color painting of Roswell Park along with beautiful bouquets of spring flowers presented to them by Dr. Trump. Zita Antholzner and her 35 Years at RPCI Zita Antholzner has been volunteering at Roswell Park Cancer Institute for 35 years. She was a homemaker for 25 years before she began volunteering here. While her husband George worked, Zita raised 9 children and enjoyed knitting and sewing in her spare time, but felt she wanted to give back to h‡”…‘—‹–›Ǥ‹–ƒǯ•’”‡˜‹‘—•
volunteer experience included coordinating a pre-­‐school program and teaching pre-­‐school children at her local church. Zita found her way to Roswell Park when her own local neighborhood did not need any volunteers. She had heard about Roswell Park through word of mouth and had no personal affiliation with cancer or our organization but decided to make this her second home for –Š‡•—„•‡“—‡–͛͝›‡ƒ”•Ǥ†™‡…‘—Ž†ǯ–„‡
Šƒ’’‹‡”–‘Šƒ˜‡Š‡”ǨƒŽŽ‡†ƒDz‰‘‘†ǡ
†‡’‡†ƒ„Ž‡™‘”‡”dz by her supervisor Mary Pat Vogt, Zita rarely misses a week of volunteering and is always efficient at her Gift Shop tasks. But the Gift Shop is not the only place Zita has lent her talents and wit. For a while she worked in Patient Transport, assisting in moving patients around the halls of our hospital; she also worked at the Information Desk and on the Coffee Cart. Zita was a part of the Gift Shop before it could even call itself a fully manned shop! She was a Pink Lady when she first started out. The Pink Ladies pushed around a cart with items on it for sale. This was essentially a Gift Shop cart, much like our current high school volunteer position Ȃ The Hospitality Cart. Back then, the volunteers acted as cashiers, store buyers and managers for the Gift Shop. Expansion and changes in recent years in the Gift Shop have increased its revenue substantially and brought great things to the hospital. Zita has stayed on as a volunteer for Roswell Park for so long because she loves what she is doing here. Š‡…ƒŽŽ•–Š‡˜‘Ž—–‡‡”’”‘‰”ƒDz‡š…‡ŽŽ‡–dz
and would recommend Roswell Park Cancer Institute to anyone as such both in terms of its talents as a hospital and a place to volunteer. She does not believe the program here needs any changes and hopes to continue her service as long as she can. Emotional Moments Two of the most moving moments of the day occurred during our volunteer testimonials ’‘”–‹‘ƒ†–Š‡’”‡•‡–ƒ–‹‘‘ˆ‘—”Dzƒƒ
—”˜‹˜‘”dz’‹•Ǥƒ›˜‘Ž—–‡‡”•™‡”‡ƒ•‡†
to share stories and memories about their service here at Roswell Park and one of the most moving pieces came from Suzanne Ameroso. Sue spoke about how Roswell Park was ƒ„Ž‡–‘•ƒ˜‡„‘–ŠŠ‡”Ž‹ˆ‡ƒ†Š—•„ƒ†ǯ•
as well. She gushed about the many miracles that come from Roswell Park, herself ‹…Ž—†‡†ǤŠ‡”‡™ƒ•ǯ–ƒ†”›‡›‡‹–Š‡ŠƒŽŽǤ
Mike and Sue Ameroso are active volunteers at Errand/Escort and as a Friendly Visitor, respectively. It was after the speeches that Debra Miga called up all volunteers who have survived cancer to receive a gold pin honoring their survivorship. That may have been the most magical moment of the day. 6 The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 PLEASE ENJOY THESE PHOTOS FROM OUR VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON! The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 7
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ACROSS DOWN 4. "Little John" 6. This "Room" serves as a place for patients and visitors to relax 10. RPCI's Standard Poodle in the Pet Therapy Program 11. The "A" in our RACE acronym 14. The ICU has now been moved to this floor 15. The "M" of "MiTL" 17. Volunteers may take this to Buffalo General 18. President and CEO of Roswell Park 19. The Volunteer Office is located on this floor 20. Call this during a fire emergency 1. This "Commission" evaluates hospitals 2. Head of the Gift Shop 3. Pup of Dorothy and David Marowski 5. Volunteer who brings in all of our Ohlsen's donations 7. Plays accordion in our lobby 8. The acronym for fire safety (not the extinguisher one) 9. Cindy Lamarco's Papillion dog 12. Code Blue is called for this kind of emergency 13. What number should you dial 4 times during all emergencies? 16. The _________ cafe The Volunteer Voice | ISSUE 2 8 For all of you Farmers' Market fans, take a break and come out to see your favorite vendors in Kaminski Park beginning Wednesday, June 6th from 11a -­‐ 2p. The market will take place every Wednesday from June 6th through October 10th. See the list of vendors who will be participating this year. Along with our vendors, don't forget we have a Roswell Park food station as an alternative to your regular lunch in the Sunflower Café. Burning Asphalt Sauces -­‐ Premium Gourmet Sauces -­‐ Hot sauces, BBQ, salsas, mustards, Bloody Mary mix, assorted rubs, etc. Chrusciki Bakery -­‐ Baked goods Community Showcase -­‐ Variety of different vendors Dan Tower Farms -­‐ Fruit and honey Gourmet Dips by Tami -­‐ Dips for all occasions and decorative lighted wine bottles Grape Country Soaps -­‐ Variety of soaps Great Harvest Bread Co. -­‐ Fresh breads and baked goods Hands & Paws -­‐ Pet items Kate's Country Cousins -­‐ Flowers, produce, baked goods Pasta Temptations -­‐ Gourmet pastas and spice blends Peppermint Farms -­‐ Seasonal plants, flowers, jams Pine Hill Produce -­‐ Seasonal produce Rainbow Vineyards -­‐ (September only) Ȃ Grapes SPCA -­‐ Š‹•‡”ƒ‰ǯ Ȃ (Second Tues of each month) Ȃ Come adopt a cat or kitten Sibiga Farms -­‐ Seasonal produce Stacey Scott Lung Cancer Registry -­‐ Jewelry Sweet Melodies Ȃ Gelato and sorbet for everyone