Volunteer Spotlight
Barb Sands
EvergreenHealth Volunteer
Barb Sands
Barbara Sands has been volunteering with EvergreenHealth for over two years! A retired economist, accountant, and athlete, Barbara brings a wealth of experience and energy to her role in both Hospice Accounting and the Emergency Department. In Hospice Accounting, they spend their time diligently typing away, while in the Emergency Department, they are constantly on the move, ensuring that carts are filled with the necessary medical supplies.
Barbara's journey to volunteering with us began when they moved to Kirkland from rural Oregon and Texas in 2016. Having previously volunteered in animal rescue and shelters, she found that Kirkland didn't have the same level of homeless pet issues. Eager to be useful and learn new things, she decided to volunteer at EvergreenHealth, which is conveniently close to her home.
Although Barbara didn't have a personal connection to EvergreenHealth initially, her husband's two visits to our emergency department have since created a meaningful bond. They have come to deeply appreciate the dedication of healthcare workers, especially given the risks associated with activities like bike riding.
Inspired by their parents' example of community service, they have always valued being a good neighbor. Their mother translated books into braille, and their father mowed lawns for elderly neighbors, instilling in them the importance of helping others. This spirit of service continues to drive them today.
When asked why more people should consider volunteering, she highlighted the learning opportunities and the chance to meet people from all walks of life. Volunteering allows individuals, regardless of age, to help others and, in turn, help themselves. Plus, as Barb humorously noted, volunteering at the hospital means staying dry during the rainy season!
Thank you to Barbara and all our volunteers! You make a meaningful contribution to the hospital and the community by working directly with patients as well as supporting our clinical teams.
EvergreenHealth has many opportunities to volunteer. To learn more and apply, visit evergreenhealth.com/volunteer.
Aidan Hayes
EvergreenHealth Volunteer
Aidan Hayes
Aidan Hayes has been volunteering with EvergreenHealth for over 8 months! He began volunteering at his local hospital to understand the roles within hospitals and how they make a positive impact on patients, like they have for his family on several occasions.
Aidan is inspired to volunteer because of his ability to make patient's days better in a simple yet meaningful way, whether that's escorting them to their destination, helping them in a wheelchair, or delivering flowers; that small act of kindness can mean so much to people in need.
"Volunteering at EvergreenHealth has a very family-like connection throughout its staff and volunteers," says Aidan. "I always look forward to seeing the same patients and being a familiar face while they go through difficult treatments."
Aidan will be attending his senior year of high school in the fall and aspires to attend the University of Washington after graduation to become a nurse! He looks forward to having a new role that aligns with how he wants to make a positive impact on patients.
Thank you to Aidan and all our volunteers! You make a meaningful contribution to the hospital and the community by working directly with patients as well as supporting our clinical teams.
EvergreenHealth has many opportunities to volunteer. To learn more and apply, visit evergreenhealth.com/volunteer.
Marjorie Gorodko
EvergreenHealth Volunteer
Marjorie Gorodko
Marjorie Gorodko has been volunteering with EvergreenHealth for over 11 years! Volunteering has always been part of her lifestyle because that is how her mom raised her. She was inspired to volunteer at EvergreenHealth because of her experience with Hospice and how well they cared for her husband at home.
Marjorie volunteered at the EvergreenHealth Plaza as a receptionist for Home Health and Hospice, but it didn't provide enough patient interaction. When the Silver Gift Shop opened, Marjorie was the first volunteer there before transferring to the Coral Gift shop.
When asked what makes volunteering at EvergreenHealth so special, Marjorie shares how much she enjoys helping new fathers and grandparents pick out a gift! "Nothing is more satisfying than helping others. In doing so, you create balance, peace and satisfaction in your own life," says Marjorie.
Thank you to Marjorie and all our volunteers! You make a meaningful contribution to the hospital and the community by working directly with patients as well as supporting our clinical teams.
EvergreenHealth has many opportunities to volunteer. To learn more and apply, visit evergreenhealth.com/volunteer.
Daniel Goodness
EvergreenHealth Volunteer
Daniel Goodness
Daniel Goodness, a retired biologist and avid music lover, decided to volunteer at EvergreenHealth after spending time playing for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Healing Music program.
In 2017, Daniel was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was receiving treatment at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Care in Seattle (formally known as Seattle Cancer Care Alliance). While receiving treatment, he found out that SCCA had a Healing Music program, and volunteers were encouraged to play their music on a schedule.
Daniel began right away, one day each week, and loved the experience! He would collect all his favorite easy listening and love songs, from the 40s through the 80s, and made a long list.
In February 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic halted volunteering and with the drive to Seattle being a 40-mile round trip for Daniel, he couldn't play music as often.
It wasn't until Daniel spoke to his friend about his volunteering, and she informed him of the beautiful piano at our hospital – and more notably, the EvergreenHealth volunteer program. It has now been almost 3 years since Daniel joined the volunteer team.
Now, Daniel spends his time volunteering at EvergreenHealth and spreading joy through music, playing your favorite songs.
"I've had great respect for volunteers for many years, and by playing the piano for hospital patients and staff. I am giving back and "returning the favor" for all the blessings that I have received during my life," says Daniel. "I believe this [music] is such a "positive distraction" for patients, to get their minds off the worries they may have (if even for a few minutes). I believe that music has magical healing powers…"
Thank you to Daniel and all of our volunteers! You make a meaningful contribution to the hospital and the community by working directly with patients as well as supporting our clinical teams.
EvergreenHealth has many opportunities to volunteer. To learn more and apply, visit evergreenhealth.com/volunteer.
Steve Beto
EvergreenHealth Volunteer
Steve Beto
Before Steve Beto began volunteering at EvergreenHealth, he was a peer mentor in Chicago for six years. After he relocated to Kirkland to be closer to his children and grandchildren, it was only natural to pick up where he left off, that he volunteered as a peer mentor in the EvergreenHealth Rehabilitation Unit.
A peer mentor is a person that has or has had a medical issue similar to the current patient. As a mentor, we share life experiences and tips to better deal with one's recovery.
"For my case, in 2007 I was a quadriplegic and was in a rehabilitation hospital for months. At EvergreenHealth, I am a Peer Mentor since we have all been in similar situations that the therapists currently do in the ARU," says Steve. "Mentors can provide and assist the therapist so they can better challenge the patient during their rehab."
Steve admitted that he never thought about volunteering but after his medical condition, he felt volunteering was an opportunity to give back and witness the positive impact you can have on someone.
"A light bulb goes on when I can see in a patient's eyes that I, as a Peer Mentor, made a connection about achieving even a tiny, shared goal," says Steve. "It's the best feeling in the world."
Thank you to Steve and all of our volunteers! You make a meaningful contribution to the hospital and the community by working directly with patients as well as supporting our clinical teams.
EvergreenHealth has many opportunities to volunteer. To learn more and apply, visit evergreenhealth.com/volunteer.
Takako Koplin
EvergreenHealth Volunteer
Takako Koplin
About 20 years ago, Takako Koplin underwent surgery here at EvergreenHealth which required an overnight stay.
"When you are physically weak, your mind becomes weak too and kind words and warm care mean so much in such a time," says Takako. "I had received such a good care and learned the importance of medical care during my stay, which is what inspired to volunteer here."
Takako originally was placed in the Comprehensive Procedures Center (CPC) and has enjoyed volunteering in that unit ever since.
"Nurses I have known these years are not only such hard working people but also cheerful and fun to be with. I am sure this is true in any other unit we volunteer; people help each other, and it is the most important lesson I have learned, said Takako. "By volunteering I am receiving so much more than I give, which is only my shifts."
Her favorite stories as a volunteer are when she has the opportunity to discharge Japanese speaking patients or people visiting from Japan. "I am from Japan, so I have a great time talking in Japanese with patients."
Thank you to Takako and all of our volunteers! You make a meaningful contribution to the hospital and the community by working directly with patients as well as supporting our clinical teams. We are so lucky to have you!
EvergreenHealth has many opportunities to volunteer. To learn more and apply, visit evergreenhealth.com/volunteer.
Jennifer McCreary
EvergreenHealth Volunteer
Jennifer McCreary
Jennifer McCreary has been volunteering at EvergreenHealth for 14 years! She has always had a special connection to EvergreenHealth; she was born at the hospital and her father received his cancer treatment here.
"While I was growing up, my dad had a number of surgeries at EvergreenHealth and then went through a year of cancer treatment. He was so impressed with and grateful for his high-quality care that he vowed to volunteer here when he recovered," says Jennifer. "Unfortunately, he passed away soon after completing his treatment and never got the chance to volunteer. A few years later, once I got my driver's license and settled into college, I applied to volunteer to fulfill his wish."
Jennifer is now a teacher and commits to volunteering at the hospital during the school breaks. "Honoring my dad is what brought me here, but the amazing people are who keep me here. Over the years, I have made a number of life-long friends," says Jennifer. "I am a teacher now, so I don't get to volunteer as consistently as I did when I first started, but I am always eagerly looking forward to my next shift."
EvergreenHealth has many opportunities to volunteer. To learn more and apply, visit evergreenhealth.com/volunteer.
