Returning the Favor
Moved by Personal Experiences, Volunteers Become Employees
By Melissa Combs, Public Relations
At The Children’s Hospital volunteers are exceptional individuals who take the extra steps that make a difference in a child’s life. Volunteers are motivated by different reasons, but these extraordinary individuals share the common desire to help those in need and are dedicated to bringing joy to the lives of children and their families. Just as Children’s leaves an impression on a child and a family long after their hospital experience, the hospital left an impression on three volunteers who made the decision to turn their passion for caring into a full-time job.
Edward Jamell, Front Office of Volunteer and Patient Representatives
Year started volunteering at Children’s:
May 2007
Why were you interested in volunteering at Children’s?:
My youngest brother, “Stevo”, was born with a heart condition. He was treated at Children’s, but he unfortunately passed away at age three. At that time when I was young, they didn’t allow us to visit, and it was difficult to understand. I couldn’t go near the hospital for years afterwards.
In 2005 I moved back to my hometown of Aurora and eventually decided to start volunteering at Children’s. I saw the window where my Mom would hold Stevo up and recalled how we would write, “We love you, Stevo” on paper airplanes and tried to fly them upwards toward the window.
When did you become an employee at Children’s?:
August 2007
What inspired you to become a Children’s employee?:
I had the opportunity to work for large corporations. When I started volunteering, I found the more I volunteered, the more I wanted to help. It inspired me to see the children heal and get to go home. Working here isn’t about financial rewards to me; it’s simply rewarding and a constant reminder of humility. To be honored by being among those who give children from all over the world, hope and a better chance for good health.
Gayle Deane, Executive Staff Assistant
Year started volunteering at Children’s:
Summer 1994
Why were you interested in volunteering at Children’s?:
I have three children. My middle daughter was born with multiple orthopedic problems. She was cared for in the orthopedic department at Children’s since she was very young. Her doctors told us that she would be facing several corrective surgeries as she grew and that some would be major surgeries. The most difficult surgeries began when she was 16, and the final surgery took place when she was 19. As we prepared ourselves for the first surgery, I saw how comfortable she was, knowing that she would be treated at Children's; even as a teenager it meant a lot to her to stay, at “her hospital.” It was a great comfort to my daughter and I that we were in a familiar, caring pediatric environment for these surgeries. Becoming a Children’s volunteer was my way of saying “thank you,” “thank you” and “thank you” again for all the caring, kind and loving support Children’s has given to us. I am grateful.
When did you become an employee at Children’s?:
May 1997
What inspired you to become a Children’s employee?:
Throughout the many years of healthcare that my children have received at Children's, I was always impressed with the dedication of the amazing doctors, nurses and staff who work here. I knew if I had the opportunity I wanted to be a part of this team. Now I am, and I am always proud to be able to say, “I work at The Children's Hospital.”
Stacy Bellendir, RN, Surgical Multidisciplinary Specialties Care
Year started volunteering at TCH:
1991
Why were you interested in volunteering at TCH?:
"My dad works at Children’s, so I would go to work with my dad. I had so much fun here that I started volunteering as soon as I reached the age to become a junior volunteer."
When did you become an employee at TCH?:
April 2002
What motivated you to become a TCH employee?:
"Volunteering made me realize how fortunate I am. It gave me a new perspective on life. It also made me realize I wanted to work in healthcare. I started at Children's as a clinical assistant and in Nov. 2007, I became a registered nurse and was hired as a nurse. Children’s is a place where you can walk in and see miracles every day! Kids brighten up your day no matter what."
