This year, Hospice of Michigan celebrates and recognizes National Volunteer Week, April 19-25th, with a story from Alex Ford, Volunteer Program Coordinator in Northern Michigan:
Marsha and Sandie, two of Hospice of Michigan’s volunteers, recently completed a My Stories video with one of our patients. My Stories is a volunteer-led program where a patient shares their story on a video (or audio) recording, and it is given to their loved ones after passing. Patients often share favorite stories, photos, or words of wisdom and encouragement for the future.
Struggling to accept the changes in her body, this patient carried a quiet fear about the transitions ahead—what will happen when she can no longer care for herself, and how will she face the losses still to come? She often kept her distance from the care staff, hesitant to accept help or interventions.
When she requested the My Stories program, Marsha and Sandie visited her, providing deep compassion and presence. As they listened, something softened in the patient’s heart. She began to share the fears she rarely voiced, the love she holds for her family, and the hopes and wishes she has for the future. When Marsha and Sandie asked if there was a song she wanted woven into her story recording, she requested “God Knows My Name” by Jelly Roll.
As she shares her story in the video recording, the song plays gently as the lyrics scroll slowly across the screen. The video closes with a simple, powerful image that says: “God knows my name, [patient’s name].” A message of comfort, dignity and recognition—exactly what she needed to hear.
This is what volunteers do. They connect with patients in ways that complement the clinical care they receive, helping each patient feel surrounded by care. This is just one of the countless ways volunteers positively support, impact and comfort our patients.
Thank you, Hospice of Michigan volunteers, for the difference that you make. You truly embody the mission Every Person, Every Time.