OHVA Volunteer Testimonials

I was in the Lobby for the Welcome Team, John Walker was playing the piano and I was dancing around to the music. Just then a woman entered the lobby pushing her husband in a wheelchair. Soon they came over and this lovely man asked me to dance. I of course said YES! It was such a heartwarming and joyous experience and the beginning of a lovely friendship that lasted for several months. This patient was never able to get out of his wheelchair or play sports again but this day we danced. Dan lost his fight against cancer in February. (Gail Trenholm)  I cannot wait the day when a patient has told me she is free of cancer. She was looking very pale and frail, but the joy on her face was without limit. I could not hold back my tears.(anonymous)  Playing piano in the main lobby and a little girl approached after about 15 minutes crying quite hard.  I thought she was lost but instead she told me how “touched” she was by the music.  One of the pieces on my first album I called “Touch” because of her. (Robert Kozeil) Each volunteer shift is special and rewarding for me.  The patients and their families are unique.  The staff are amazing and very helpful.  The patient and staff appreciate and are thankful for the services provided by the volunteers. Something spec ia l happens wi th ever y connection if you take the time to look the person in the eyes, smile and listen.  It is my “give back” to our wonderful health care system.  We are so fortunate to live in this great country.

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OHVA Volunteer Testimonials

A dad was terribly concerned about his son who was having a procedure.  He kept asking about the son’s status.  I found it a bit extreme so I decided to go over and ask a few questions.  It turned out that the son was a special needs adult.  I went to check on him,  The staff had not been made aware of his special needs.  They allowed the dad to come back and be with the son.  The relief on the face of the dad and the son was a beautiful moment.  I did very little yet the  gratitude almost brought tears to my eyes.  I was just lucky to be there in that moment.

I volunteer on the Information Desks.  One afternoon a young man came in carrying an infant carrier.  I asked him if his baby was in it and he said with great excitement that he was

bringing his first baby home that day.  He could hardly contain himself he was so thrilled. I congratulated him, etc.  Then about 2 hours later he appeared in front of me and asked if I would come over to the food court to meet his wife and new baby.  It made me cry and I did go down and sit with them for a while.  This will stay with me forever…so sweet and meaningful.  One of the patients I visited had had a stroke and could not speak.  She had no visitors.  I discovered she was born in Austria and I introduced her to a fellow volunteer, Fred, who was also form Austria.  Each Saturday he visited her and together they sat and watched videos from Austria.  I treated her to a haircut and shampoo on her birthday and I believe we became her family.

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OHVA Volunteer Testimonials

I work at the Information Desk. One day I got a call from overseas.  The gentleman was asking about his sister.  While finding the information he need I realized the man was called from India.  Then I talked to him with Indian language. He was surprised and happy to know that someone is talking hindi in Canada. Then he asked me to say hi to his wife!  They appreciate our service too. (anonymous) I like those moments when patients are looking at the board trying to figure out where they need to go and I come along to go to my shift in the Cancer Care Clinic and help them find their way down the hall to another department.  The relief and appreciation in their eyes says it all. (anonymous)

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