Meet our volunteers

Meet a volunteer

• Ken L., student volunteer

  
  An outstanding volunteer – that is what comes to mind when the name Ken is mentioned. He is above and beyond what we look for in a volunteer. Ken has been a volunteer at Salem Health for almost two years and serves as a student lead and also on the volunteer council. He easily connects with people and brings an attitude of anything is possible.

  Ken attends Sprague High School where his GPA is 4.1 (weighted). Ken is an idealist and realizes a deep sense of obligation to help other people.

  Ken has positive remarks about volunteering. He states …”volunteering fulfills the part of an individual calling to give back, while making a difference in society.”

  Attending an Ivy League school has always been Ken’s intention and dream. This is the year when he finds out if that dream is a reality. His wish just might be right around the corner. Ken most recently interviewed with Stanford, Yale, Harvard and University of PA. He plans on a dual major in political science and philosophy and currently has already been accepted to Willamette and Lewis and Clark. He will make his final decision once all offers are on the table.

  He aspires to help the most people he can as he pursues his career path. Ken states, “At one point I thought I would help by being a doctor.” After giving blood for the first time he almost fainted. Now, when he gives blood that same feeling occurs. He is not certain how well that might match for being a doctor so he is carefully selecting his career path. He is now moving to a more policy and governance thought process. He wants to work to help people come together to fix issues which involves exploring compromise; something he is very good at.

  Our world will continue to rise with the great generation that is coming forward. We are in good hands with students like Ken striving to make the way better for all.

• Lee L., emergency department volunteer

  
  
  Lee volunteers to make a difference for the good in people’s lives.

  “I had the need to visit our Emergency Department for an emergency treatment.  I had been bothered for years and it was getting worse.  The entire staff were so kind and competent as well as being helpful, professional and centered.  A younger doctor treated me and finally discovered my tumor.  Not one other person had discovered it, just this highly professional doctor,” states Lee Larson.

  “I joined the Salem Health volunteer program because I wanted to be a part of a group like that.”  Lee has been providing exceptional service to all he encounters for almost 5 years.  “In some small way, I hope I can make their burdens a little lighter.  It gives me great satisfaction.”  For a variety of reasons, he wants to help others that might be going through the same or like situations as himself.

  Lee is known for being a people person; everyone gravitates to him because of his compassion and genuine kindness.

  Lee currently serves in the Salem Cancer Institute, the Emergency Department, and in the Volunteer Office at the hospital.  He is active in his church and anywhere he can connect with people; his true passion is making a difference.  Another thing Lee is known for is his problem solving abilities and his quick action steps to improvement.  He is the first to start working on projects and issues, and you will always see him connecting with people and including them.  He is so automatic in his “people approach” that he just ends up being where the need is greatest.

  Lee continues to be an incredible addition to Salem Health!!!

• Kris A., volunteer office helper

  

  Find a way to give that is right for you

  My family moved to Keizer in 1964. I was 5 years old and I vividly remember that it rained for months leading up to a flood that year.

  I grew up going to Keizer schools and later moved back to the same Keizer house and worked retail until my retirement five years ago. Once I hit that point in my life, I knew I couldn’t sit and watch TV all day! I needed stimulation. I needed to work with people and wanted to make a difference in some way.

  With fond memories of visiting my mom and sister working at Salem Hospital, I became a volunteer. It was a perfect fit for me. I helped patients in the hospital get to and from group therapy. Sometimes they didn’t have a support person, so I chatted with them and helped out. The nursing staff appreciated me and treated me well. I loved going and just felt invigorated being able to help people.

  I now help in the volunteer office. I take calls and answer questions from potential volunteers. In the office two days a week for four to five hours each day, I feel like I accomplish something every time. It is pure joy to know that my time isn’t wasted, maybe even a little selfish that I love feeling thanked, appreciated, and rewarded for giving back.

  I also joined the Salem Health Auxiliary and had a blast eating pizza and stuffing Awesome 3000 packets with a fantastic group. I am exploring how we can accept credit cards at the craft sale. The money we raise goes toward student scholarships. I also help out a few friends with errands and chores.

  Everyone can give in some way. Find a passion, hobby, skill or interest you can parlay in giving back to this wonderful community.

• Sally B., cancer peer navigator

  
  

  Sharing her journey of hope and recovery

  A breast cancer survivor, Sally began volunteering as a peer navigator in 2007 to support other women facing cancer.

  Giving back is important to Sally. “The simple act of serving is very good for all of us,” she said, noting she’s had her treatment nine years ago. The compassion she experienced here inspired her to help—and offer hope to others.  

  “Sometimes I’m not as cheery when I come in, but by the end of the day I’m feeling blessed when I leave, and that’s good for my health!” she said. “Very incredible people work and volunteer here; it’s a privilege to be among them.”

  Volunteering also widened Sally’s circle of friends—and helps her stay healthy. “You’re learning lots of information to share with patients, so you pick up ideas for yourself,” she said.  

  “Salem Hospital matters to me because they support the community I live in.”