Volunteer giving is at the heart of Beebe
John and Angela Marchatti moved to the Delaware beach in May 2003 after John retired from the U.S. Department of Energy. Like many retirees, they were enjoying their new beach life and never really thought too much about Beebe until John needed a stent put in his heart in 2007. Since then, John has volunteered thousands of hours for almost 10 years and is a familiar face to many!
I first met John a few years ago at the gym early in the morning. I watched him faithfully do his workout, but even more faithfully spend time talking with other people about how great Beebe is. It became very obvious to me that John was a people person with a big heart and enjoyed spreading the news about Beebe. It did not take long before we saw each other in the halls of Beebe and became friends. I asked John what made him decide to volunteer at Beebe, and he shared, "I was so impressed with the efficiency of the hospital staff, and the kindness I was shown by the doctors and nurses that I wanted to give back and show my thanks."
John joins an army of hundreds of volunteers who every day share similar stories and give back to Beebe by donating their time, talent and treasure in gratitude for the excellent care from Beebe team members. John chose to recognize Lee Halloran, manager of volunteer services, because he realized, "through Lee Halloran's relentless and professional leadership, the Beebe Volunteer Program has become a viable contributor to Beebe Healthcare's mission. Lee conscientiously utilizes a volunteer staff over 750 members to help free Beebe's medical and administrative staff to concentrate on more pressing hospital matters." John made a donation to Beebe Medical Foundation's program "Celebrate Excellent Care" in honor of the great work Lee does for Beebe, its volunteers, and ultimately, its patients.
When I told Lee that John made a gift in her honor, she responded, "I am humbled to be recognized with a donation to the Beebe Medical Foundation. John is a very special volunteer. He is part of our Mended Hearts program and our cardiac rehab program. In order to volunteer in each of these, you have to have gone through a cardiac event and graduated from the Cardiac Rehab program. John has been past president of the local group Mended Hearts. In addition, he maintains the schedule for all of the other volunteers, and comes in at least three times a week to be with new patients who are about to go through their first cardiac procedure. John is so very good at what he does. He realizes that our new patients are scared, confused and overwhelmed, and he helps them by navigating through each step of their procedure, both pre and post op. Our Mended Hearts program would not be as successful if it weren't for his guidance and leadership."
I asked John, how does it feel knowing you make a real difference in the lives of our patients? He responded, "I am not certain I have made a difference in anyone's life, but the heart patients I work with and have met in cardiac-rehabilitation during their pre-admission testing, have truly made a difference and impression on my life!"
I continue to be inspired by John's sincerity and generous heart.
I am always astounded by the talent and generosity of our volunteers at Beebe and am constantly reminded of the quote, "You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." Our volunteers live busy lives, and choose to share their hearts with all of us throughout Beebe and our locations county wide. We are so fortunate to have people from varied backgrounds and experiences share their time and talent with us. Next time you see a Beebe volunteer, please stop and thank them and say, ‘Yes! You have made a difference in my life!’"
If you are interested in volunteering with Beebe Healthcare, contact Lee Halloran at 302-645-3531, or to learn more, go to beebehealthcare.org and click "volunteer at Beebe." To learn more about giving back to Beebe and sharing your story by making a donation in honor of a Beebe team member, and the excellent care you have received at Beebe, contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900, or go to www.beebemedicalfoundation.org.
As a community-owned, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe continues to depend on the generous support of individuals, corporations, businesses, and private foundations. All gifts, large or small, to Beebe Healthcare, are tax deductible and are channeled through Beebe Medical Foundation. Please consider making a gift today and share your amazing stories with our community.
