The Gift of Giving Back
Volunteers come to us from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Ann Simmons was a caregiver for a church friend for eight years. She then became the caregiver for her own mother who was on Crossroads Hospice’s service in Memphis for eight months.
During her time with Crossroads, Ann’s mother was the recipient of a Gift of A Day. Her mother wanted to see the Mississippi River again so the extended family went along with her on a riverboat ride. Ann says her mother thoroughly enjoyed the day even though it was “boiling hot!” The grandkids still recall this special time and it is a great memory for the entire family.
As a primary caregiver, Ann says she was impressed with the care her mother was given by her team and, afterwards, realized that she needed to give back. Volunteering with Crossroads was a natural step. She truly understands what a Gift of a Day and the Crossroad experience can mean to a patient and family.
Since coming on board with us in July 2011, Ann has served our patients in many different ways. Her experience as a caregiver allows her to tend to both our patients and our caregivers. She relates to caregivers and recognizes the need to provide respite for them. Realizing that patients can benefit from some special attention, Ann has been the one who brightens their days by visiting. She also has regularly provided meals to a patient who lives alone, contributed to and delivered holiday food baskets, participated in special events and has even persuaded her husband to volunteer!
One particular Crossroads program has been a perfect fit for Ann. As a member of the Ellendale Baptist Quilters (EBC), Ann has impacted the lives of many of our Veterans and their families. She was instrumental in getting the talented group at EBC to make lap quilts to be presented during our Veteran Recognition Ceremonies. These quilts have been seen on the laps and beds of Veterans, on their walls, and often displayed at the funerals or draped across the casket. Ann says this is her most rewarding work with Crossroads.
Ann retired to be available to her grandchildren. We’re so very glad that decision made her available to us too!
If you’d like to use your talents to brighten a hospice patient or caregiver’s day, please complete our Volunteer Submission form to be connected with a Volunteer Coordinator near you.
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