April 16-22 marks National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate the many essential members of the MultiCare team who remind staff, patients and their families they’re valued and supported from the moment they enter our doors.
From assisting busy emergency departments to helping improve the end-of-life experience for patients and families, our volunteers empower everyone in our communities through their generous gifts of time and talent. Last year, 955 individuals volunteered for a total of 144,670 hours to better support patients and care teams.
Meet six MultiCare volunteers changing lives with their skills, and join us in giving thanks to the many others who make a difference.
Celebrating children’s courage
If you’ve wandered the halls of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, you’ve likely run into Susan Hayes accompanied by a cart filled with colorful beads. The long-time volunteer, endearingly known as “the Bead Lady,” has supported children through the Beads of Courage program since December 2012.
Made possible through Mary Bridge Children’s partnership with Beads of Courage, Inc., as well as donor support, the program provides colorful beads to kids coping with serious or chronic illness so they can celebrate their own stories of courage. Beads of Courage volunteers like Susan give children a colorful bead for every milestone they complete — from blood draws to chemotherapy sessions and surgeries — commemorating their strength and resilience.
“It impacts patients and families because it’s a positive influence on their health journeys,” she says. “It celebrates how brave the patients are and helps with treatment knowing they’ll get another bead.”
Susan began volunteering at Mary Bridge Children’s when she was in high school, and she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.
“I think we all want to make a difference and give back,” she says. “Volunteering does that for me. It’s a positive and rewarding experience.”
Supporting patients throughout their health care journeys
University of Washington biochemistry graduate Jenny Tran started volunteering at MultiCare Deaconess Hospital in 2022, motivated to gain experience in the health care field.
“I’m interested in pursuing a career in medicine, which was the reason why I first started volunteering at MultiCare in the emergency department — to expose myself to the field,” Jenny shares. “My brother used to be a volunteer at Deaconess and told me how nice the staff is to their volunteers, which was why I decided to volunteer at MultiCare in particular.”
Over the past year, she has volunteered in the hospital’s pre- and post-operative departments, cleaning rooms and stocking supplies, as well as running labs and supporting patients and families.
Jenny is also a volunteer for No One Dies Alone, a MultiCare program where established volunteers hold patients’ hands in their final hours. For Jenny, it’s been deeply rewarding to provide patients with comfort and companionship during difficult moments.
“Volunteering with MultiCare has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally,” she says. “I’ve been able to gain valuable insight into the medical field and the diverse range of roles and responsibilities that health care professionals play.
“Not only have I learned about the medical field, but I’ve also gained important skills, such as communication, teamwork and empathy,” Jenny continues. “Working alongside health care professionals and interacting with patients has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the importance of human connection and compassionate care.”
Gaining experience while giving back
For patients and loved ones visiting MultiCare Capital Medical Center, ambassador Kira Deloney creates an environment where everyone knows they’re welcome and valued. As one of Capital’s ambassador volunteers, she directs guests where they need to go, answering questions and alleviating some of the anxiety associated with a hospital stay.
The University of Washington Tacoma student is majoring in biomedical science and working toward a career as a gastroenterologist, an aspiration she’s had since the age of 7 when a gastroenterologist saved her life.
Kira’s experience volunteering at MultiCare is helping her learn valuable skills — like collaboration and kindness — while solidifying her career path.
“Small things can make an impact,” she shares. “Sometimes I listen to people when no one else is listening.”
Deloney’s favorite part about volunteering at Capital Medical Center: the people. She shares that staff have made her feel like she’s part of the family and welcomed her with open arms.
Empowering older adults
For older adults in East Pierce County, Senior Ambassadors Jan Neeley, Shannon Agidius and Kitty Bench are a vital support system. Every Monday, these dedicated volunteers provide outreach services to older adults at the Puyallup Public Library, helping them access information and resources on important topics like health, wellness, mental and behavioral health, housing, transportation, and more through the Senior Ambassador Community Outreach program.
This critical program was developed in 2022 through a partnership with the city of Puyallup and MultiCare Celebrate Seniority, a free membership program that supports healthy aging for people ages 55 and older throughout Pierce and South King counties.
