This is where I wanted to be—giving back to the type of people who saved my life

Volunteering has been WONDERFUL! I spent a lot of time in hospitals as a child. So when it came time to volunteer, this is where I wanted to be—giving back to the type of people who saved my life and gave their time to help me.

My mother was a volunteer at Bronson Battle Creek and said that I should join. So I did, and I worked in the gift shop for years. Then I wanted more patient contact, so I moved to the inpatient reception desk. We get to meet so many nice people. We keep coloring books, crayons and small toys that the volunteers make and when we see a child come in, we get to give them a little gift to brighten up their day.

It’s important for me to pay it forward. When people help you, you’ve got to pay it back to them.