04/22/2026
This week is , and we'd like to shine a light on our amazing volunteers and thank them for all they do!
Meet Vickie, one of our hospice volunteers! Vickie's mom was on hospice, and she saw how much she benefited from hospice enriching her days. She especially enjoyed music therapist and chaplain visits. Hospice also was present for the whole family.
After she retired as a nurse from Mayo clinic, she was asked to join our team as a part time hospice and home health nurse. Vickie says. "This has been a privilege beyond measure."
She started volunteering for us by taking photos for hospice, but wants people to know that there are so many different ways to volunteer. She frequently makes lefsa and takes lutefisk dinners to people who can no longer attend events, which is very meaningful for them.
"Each person has a story to tell," said Vickie. She values each patient and their stories. And for patients who cannot share their stories, she says, "It's being able to help them by being with them in that moment. Enjoying just sitting with them, looking at family photos."
Vickie believes that being part of a caring and compassionate local healthcare team is the best way to wind down a rewarding career in nursing, and her volunteering will continue! She says that four words describe what being a volunteer means to her, "It feeds my heart."
Thank you, Vickie, and all of our incredible volunteers. We, and our patients, are so lucky to have you!
