The Heartfelt Journey of Hospice Volunteering: A Personal Reflection

Entering the realm of hospice care often feels like navigating through a labyrinth of emotions, both challenging and poignant, for patients and their families alike. Within this delicate journey, hospice volunteers emerge as beacons of support, offering solace and companionship to those in need.

While the medical team at Hospice of the North Coast focuses on providing essential care, hospice volunteers extend their hands to offer a different kind of healing touch. From running errands to engaging in heartfelt conversations, these volunteers ensure that patients and their families feel enveloped in care and comfort throughout their end-of-life passage.

Yet, the essence of hospice volunteering transcends mere assistance; it is a profoundly rewarding experience for those who embark on this compassionate journey. Through their selfless dedication, volunteers weave threads of hope and warmth into the lives of others, leaving indelible marks of kindness and empathy.

In a recent conversation, Denise Segobiano graciously shared her journey as a volunteer at Hospice of the North Coast, crafting memory bears, shedding light on the profound impact of compassionate service.

HNC: “Please describe your experience as a volunteer for Hospice of the North Coast.”
Denise: “My experience with Hospice of the North Coast as a volunteer has been rewarding. I have been able to use my inherited craft and sewing talent given to me by my mother, Bessie.”

HNC: “What draws you to this kind of work?”
Denise: “I think what draws me to this kind of work is just being able to give comfort to a family who is grieving for the loss of a family member because I can relate to what they are feeling, and I think it helps to have something of theirs always around, hence the reason why memory bears are made out of something that they used to wear.”

HNC: “How long have you been volunteering with HNC”
Denise: “It will be a year in June that I’ve been a volunteer for Hospice of the North Coast.”

HNC: “What kind of impact has volunteering with Hospice of the North Coast had on you?”
Denise: “The impact of volunteering for Hospice of the North Coast has just been rewarding. It helps me to be able to give back and do something for somebody else.”

HNC: “Why do you choose this work specifically?”
Denise: “I actually did not choose to be a volunteer. It was suggested to me by my daughter, Amanda, because she saw that sewing was helping me find an outlet in my healing. So, when she suggested it, I thought, ‘hey! I can do that!’ If I help someone else in their healing process by doing something as easy as sewing a bear, I would do it. It may sound ‘unselfish,’ but, in actuality, I do it for selfish reasons.”

HNC: “Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?”
Denise: “I would suggest to anyone who has a talent that can be shared with the community, and at the same time help take focus off of their grief or pain, they should do it. I think it serves as a healing tool, and by volunteering your service, your talent, your knowledge, your experience is the best way to represent someone you’ve lost.”

If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, consider becoming a hospice volunteer. Not only will you be providing a much-needed service, but you’ll also be part of a compassionate and dedicated team helping those in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 👉 Join a team that is compact in size, yet large in heart.