Volunteering inspires hope, makes a difference

October 25, 2018 | By MultiCare Health System

Volunteers are often the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, and MultiCare is no exception. Meet some of MultiCare’s many volunteers who make a difference every day in the lives of patients, visitors and staff.

Donna Morasch

After her husband’s passing last year, Donna Morasch needed something to occupy her time. She spent her entire career as an educator, so it’s no surprise she found her second calling at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.

“I love the positive attitude, caring nature and teamwork that is seen every day from every person I meet in the hospital, whether that’s a staff member, volunteer or a patient,” she says.

Morasch keeps kids entertained and distracted during their hospital stays and gives parents a reprieve. Sometimes she even brings craft projects from home to share with patients.

“I am always up and ready to go on the days I volunteer,” she says. “I love it. I never want to give it up.”

Morasch encourages everyone to get out and volunteer, especially seniors. She thinks it’s important to get out of your house and into the community — it has worked wonders for her.

“Volunteering at Mary Bridge has been my salvation,” Morasch explains. “It has given me a purpose. After every shift, I leave with my cup full.

“I lost my smile — volunteering brought it back.”

Volunteer for MultiCare

Ardis

Meet Ardis, a MultiCare volunteer who spends her Friday free time at the MultiCare Auburn Medical Center information desk.

Ardis is 98 years old and has been a MultiCare volunteer since 2009. She has more than 850 volunteer hours on the books. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to go the extra mile to help anyone who needs it.

“People always say you get more out of volunteering than you put into it,” she says. “That’s so true to me. I’ve had great co-volunteers and have been able to help a lot of people. It’s a great thing and I would encourage everyone to do it.”

Joel Michaud

What began as a simple volunteering job has led to a vocation for Joel Michaud. He began volunteering in the Emergency Department at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in December 2012.

Over the course of his 6-year volunteer career, Michaud went from stocking supplies and cleaning rooms to training more than 40 volunteers himself.

In those six years, he also graduated college and is now applying to medical schools. For those who know Michaud, they see a compassionate person and a promising medical professional.

“Joel is going to make an exceptional doctor,” says Jennifer Nyman, a MultiCare volunteer coordinator. “He truly represents MultiCare values, and we would be fortunate to have him return when he graduates from medical school.”

Michaud is thankful for his volunteer experience because it gave him hands-on experience in the medical field, but also because it allowed him to help those in need in his own community.

“For me, just seeing people enjoy the help that I give to them is what it means to be a volunteer,” Michaud says. “Investing your time in others and showing them that you care.”