Hearts that Serve: Celebrating our Volunteers

Meet Claudio

Service area: 2 Main Surgery
Years of service: 2 months

Claudio has always felt called to a career in health care. With a growing interest in becoming a nurse, he began volunteering at Saint Agnes to gain a deeper understanding of the hospital environment and what it truly means to care for others. Through his volunteer work, Claudio has learned how to connect with patients and their families with compassion and empathy.

"The most fulfilling part is when you see a loved one that's a little uneasy or nervous and you get to guide them in the right direction... Or when someone is coming in for a procedure feeling anxious and not sure where to go, taking that next step and helping them is important and it feels good to know I was able to help put someone at ease."

Coming from a family that is also in health care, Claudio's experience at Saint Agnes has given him a firsthand look at the human side of health care and a deeper appreciation for what it means to support someone through a difficult time.

Meet Virginia

Service area: Patient Escort
Years of service: 8

As a volunteer with patient escort, Virginia plays an important role in helping patients get where they need to go—always with kindness and care. As one of our bilingual volunteers, Virginia is able to connect with our patients and guests that speak Spanish, which brings comfort during what can often be a stressful or frightening time. For Virginia, volunteering is personal. She continues to give her time as a way to give back to the hospital that has provided such compassionate care to her elderly parents.

"This is MY way of giving back to the patients here; that's what keeps me coming back. I love connecting with the people here—the patients, their loved ones and guests. Sure, we appreciate the people that show appreciation to us, but I do this for them. Not for me."

Meet Susan

Service area: Patient Escort
Years of service: 14

After experiencing exceptional care during her own surgery, Susan felt a strong calling to give back by volunteering. She continues to volunteer not only to make a meaningful impact in patients' lives but also to enjoy the camaraderie of her fellow volunteers, who make every day more enjoyable. 

"It's very rewarding; we could go weeks and weeks until you help someone who says 'thank you for what you do' and that makes a huge difference in our hearts. We don't get recognized all the time for helping—and we really don't expect it—but when someone shows kindness and compassion back to us, it really makes an impact."

When patients arrive feeling scared or anxious, Susan does her best to ease their worries, often using humor to help them relax before they head into a surgery waiting room. For Susan, volunteering is not just about supporting patients—it's about creating an environment where everyone feels a little more at ease and welcomed.

Meet Safaa

Service area: Patient Escort
Years of service: 1

Safaa is one of the first welcoming faces you'll see when you walk through the doors at Saint Agnes. As a patient escort, she helps guide patients to where they need to go, offering a reassuruing presence along the way. Currently working toward her goal of entering medical school, Safaa sees volunteering as a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of the hospital. For Safaa, volunteering is also an opportunity to witness firsthand the emotional care that patients and their families need as they navigate challenging times.

"I think volunteering can be transformative for both patients and us volunteers. We're meeting patients at very vulnerable moments, so it's important that we're able to really care for them in those moments by offering them, if nothing else, some kind words to get them through whatever they're going through."

Meet Kimberly

Service area: 4 North
Years of service: 1

Kimberly began her volunteer journey in Cardiac Rehabilitation, assisting new patients with simple exercises and administrative tasks. She now serves at the 4 North main desk, where she supports nurses with administrative duties and ensures smooth transitions between patients by answering phone calls.

With a degree in social work, Kimberly is passionate about helping others and is hoping to return to school to pursue a career in nursing, where she can continue making a difference in people's lives.

"My favorite part is getting to talk to patients whenever they need someone to talk to. In Cardiac Rehab, I got to hear patient's life stories and now in 4 North, I get to connect with families and empathize with them. Sometimes all [patients and their families] need is a person to just listen to them. I love helping in any way that I can."

Meet Diana

Service area: Cardiac Rehabilitation
Years of service: 5 months

Diana volunteers in Cardiac Rehabilitation and says her favorite part of the role is connecting with patients and hearing each of their stories. Diana has the opportunity to meet individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences—from veterans to those on a unique health journey. For Diana, volunteering has always been incredibly rewarding. There's a deep sense of fulfillment in giving back to her local hospital and community.

"My grandfather was here a year ago on the fifth floor; he was unfortunately put on hospice care, but his time at Saint Agnes was amazing—I couldn't have asked for better nurses and doctors. After my grandfather passed, I reflected on our family's experience here, and how we were treated by the hospital staff made me want to give back to show my appreciation."