Meet Steve, Mercy Volunteer

“I love working here. It’s just a part of my life.”

That’s how Steve summed up his thoughts about volunteering at Mercy. Steve’s relationship with Mercy started with his wife, who was a pediatric nurse. His daughter was born at Mercy, too.

Before Steve retired from Quaker in 2012, he’d come have lunch with his wife in the cafeteria. After retirement, his doctor thought he should stay active and involved, so encouraged Steve to volunteer. He signed up with Mercy in 2014.

 “It’s been very rewarding," he said. "When you’re working, you’re busy. But, when you retire, you have a chance to give back to the community. I love the staff I work with, and I get to meet lots of nice patients and their families.”

Steve has the opportunity to meet a lot of people by volunteering in the Gift Shop at the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and in the Surgery Center as a host. He’s able to help direct families for counseling, escort families to waiting areas, offer a friendly smile, and be a listening ear.

“The guys come over to talk when their wives are in surgery," he said. "I’m a good listener. I guess I’m approachable!”

Steve gravitates to Compassion when thinking about Mercy’s ICARE values. He feels for the families who have loved ones in the Cancer Center or in surgery, believing that compassion is vital.

“I think volunteering at Mercy is important," he said. "You may think you won’t like it, but once you start, it’s so worthwhile. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do this longer! It’s an important part of the Mercy community and the patent’s experience.”