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volunteer

Volunteer Cuddlers Making a Difference for Babies, Families, Staff at Hamilton

August 8, 2021

Sherry and Dianne Cole love children.

“I had seen an article about volunteering as a cuddler in the paper and mentioned it to Sherry,” said Dianne. “At that time, he wasn’t sure if it would be something he wanted to do because he thought he would become too attached to the babies, and it would be too hard to be around babies who were sick. Later, another article appeared about the hospital needing volunteers, and I convinced him to give it a try.”

Sherry says it was “love at first sight.” He says it is difficult to see newborns with health issues, some who are addicted drugs and going through withdrawal. “You definitely get attached,” he says, “but when the baby who you have comforted over a period of time is now well enough to go home to be with the rest of its family, you can rejoice realizing you have helped, in some small way, in giving that child a better start to the rest of its life.”

From left are Sherry and Dianne Cole, cuddlers for Hamilton Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
From left are Sherry and Dianne Cole, cuddlers for Hamilton Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The Coles have been cuddlers for Hamilton Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since July of 2019. Cuddlers are volunteers who provide therapeutic talk and touch to newborns when parents are unable to be at the bedside.

“We call Sherry and Dianne ‘Grandpa and Grandma.’ They are the most precious souls,” says Nikki Pasley, clinical manager for the NICU.

The couple goes to Hamilton’s NICU three days a week to hold babies, often changing their schedules around to make life easier on the nurses.

“They came to me not long ago and asked if they could start coming in around lunchtime so they could hold babies and allow the nurses to eat without being interrupted,” says Pasley.

If babies are asleep, the Coles find other chores to complete, such as stocking cribs and cabinets or keeping the individual babies’ area clean. They also recently started training all of the new cuddlers.

“But the most important thing we do is cuddle the babies.” Says Dianne. “We feed them, rock them, talk to them and try to comfort and soothe them when they cry.”

Sherry says they tell the babies stories about what they may have to look forward to for the rest of their lives.

“I think when we first volunteered, we thought we would rock a few babies, try to comfort them when they cried, maybe change a diaper, or give them a bottle when they were hungry,” says Dianne. “We did not realize how much attention they actually need.”

Some of the babies have parents who visit their child as often as they can. Others seldom or never have a visit from their parents.

“If it weren’t for cuddlers, some of the babies would have very little person-to-person contact,” Sherry says. “Sometimes we may need to hold a baby from the time we enter the NICU until we leave. They do not understand what is happening to them, they can’t tell you where they are hurting. They only know they are, and the only solution they have is to cry.”

The Coles recognized there was a need for babies who were going into foster care or under-privileged homes to have some essential items a newborn baby would need. They contacted a group at their church, The Levi Circle, who volunteered to provide diaper bags with items such as clothes, sleepers, diapers, bottles, wipes, baby wash and much more.

“They keep Women’s Services stocked with these bags, so we can hand one out whenever we feel there is a need,” says Pasley. “Words really cannot convey how special they are.”

The Coles say that the nurses in the NICU are the true heroes. “They are the most dedicated, caring and compassionate people we have ever had the pleasure of working with,” says Dianne. “They never lose their soft touch or sweet voice while they are caring for these little angels.”

According to the Coles, being a part of Hamilton’s Cuddler program has had its rewards for them also.

“My blood pressure has dropped 10 points since February when we were able to come back to the NICU,” says Sherry. “This is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. You may be worn out at the end of your shift, but you can’t wait to come back again.”

Dianne adds, “Just knowing you may have made a small difference in a very small life is the best feeling in the world.”

 
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Filed Under: News, Volunteer at Hamilton Tagged With: babies, cuddlers, maternity, volunteer, women's health

Hamilton Volunteers Recognized

December 7, 2019

Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) volunteers were recently recognized at an annual luncheon.

“I have the pleasure of working with some of the best people I know, Hamilton volunteers!” said Gay Ann Talley, volunteer coordinator. “I am so grateful to work with each and every volunteer.  We share stories, triumphs, heartache, blessings, but most of all friendship.”

Jeff Myers, CEO, and Sandy McKenzie, COO, attended the event and expressed their appreciation for all the service provided by volunteers.

Hamilton Volunteers
Hamilton Volunteers

During the luncheon, volunteers were celebrated for their years of service. They included: five years, Gary Benson, Joann Davis, Kelly Greene, Nancy Moore and Dick Neelly; 10 years, Charles Barthel, Peggy Mashburn, Barbara Meyer and Kay Moore; 15 years, Pat Clayton; 30 years, Elizabeth Baldwin; 35 years, Catherine Ann Geissinger; and 45 years, Billie Little.

Volunteer at Hamilton

Volunteers with more than 250 hours of service in the past service year (from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019) included Pam Ackerman, Larry Bledsoe, Earlene Dupree, Catherine Ann Geissinger, Eric Geissinger, Cecil McClure, Kay Moore, Roland Rankin and Fanny Valiente. Volunteers with more than 500 hours of service included Roger Ellis, Terr Ella Flood and David Rice. Brad Jones (and dog, Marti) had more than 750 yours of volunteer service.

In total, Hamilton volunteers provided 19,696 hours of service for the last fiscal year. There were 55 new volunteers, including 12 teen volunteers.

Pictured are Hamilton volunteers who received PRIDE Awards. From left are Kay Gazaway, Dee Rocket, Diana Carlock and Lily Dwight. Phyllis Cook is not pictured
Pictured are Hamilton volunteers who received PRIDE Awards. From left are Kay Gazaway, Dee Rocket, Diana Carlock and Lily Dwight. Phyllis Cook is not pictured.

Hamilton’s PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diligence and Excellence) values awards were awarded to Phyllis Cook for Professionalism, Kay Gazaway for Respect, Dee Rocket for Integrity, Diana Carlock for Diligence and Lily Dwight for Excellence.

Terr Ella Flood
Terr Ella Flood

Terr Ella Flood received the coveted 2019 Eva McCamy Award. Flood has served as a volunteer at HMC for 11 years, working at the information desk, in the Gift Shop, special sales and taking care of Heart of Hamilton (recognition program) cards each week.

“Terr Ella is someone I depend on greatly,” said Talley. “She is always willing to lend a hand and do whatever is needed. She is a wonderful example of what the Eva McCamy Award is all about, serving others. Each time Terr Ella is here, she serves with compassion. She is a blessing to all who know her and work alongside her.”

The Eva McCamy Award was created many years ago to honor Eva McCamy for her outstanding, selfless, dedicated volunteer service for Hamilton during World War II. She served as one of the first Gray Ladies at Hamilton Memorial Hospital (HMC’s name at the time). Yearly, this award is given to someone who consistently displays leadership as well as a gentle servant heart.

“Our volunteers are an inspiration to everyone, and most of all to me,” Talley said. “Thank you, volunteers, for your service. We are blessed!”

For more information about becoming part of Hamilton’s volunteer team, please call 706-272-6147. Applications are available at the information desk located at the front entrance of the hospital or on the second floor in the Volunteer Command Center.


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Filed Under: Associate Recognition, Excellence at Hamilton, News Tagged With: volunteer

Hamilton Celebrates Volunteer Week

May 7, 2019

Volunteer Week

Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, GA celebrated its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 7 – 13.

“We are so happy to have such a wonderful crew of volunteers,” said Gay Ann Talley, volunteer supervisor. “Our volunteers are the Heart of Hamilton. I’m so proud to work alongside them. They make a difference in the lives of so many people each and every time they volunteer.”

Volunteer activities during the week consisted of an ice cream party and the annual volunteer luncheon.

Typically, more than 17,000 hours are logged by Hamilton volunteers each year.

Hamilton is always accepting volunteers for a variety of tasks, some of which include assistance in the Gift Shop, Information Desk, Hamilton Diagnostics Center, errands and Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.

To learn more about volunteering at HMC, please call Gay Ann Talley at 706-272-6147.

Filed Under: Community, News, Volunteer at Hamilton Tagged With: volunteer

Looking for Volunteers

April 9, 2019

Treetop TreasuresHamilton Medical Center (HMC) is looking for volunteers for Treetop Treasures, a specialty shop inside the new Anna Shaw Children’s Institute. This shop caters to the unique needs of children with developmental and cognitive delays. Treetop Treasures will need 15 to 25 volunteers willing to commit to one 3-hour shift a week. Organizers are hoping to find people who have experience with special needs children, those who have been somehow touched by the cause, or anyone with a desire to give back and serve our community in a special way.

For more information, please apply ONLINE to be a HMC volunteer or contact Gay Ann Talley, volunteer coordinator, at 706-272-6147 or gtalley@hhcs.org. Rachel Earley, gift shop manager, is pictured.

Filed Under: Community, News, Public Notices Tagged With: anna shaw, gift shop, treetop treasures, volunteer

Hamilton Volunteers Recognized

February 20, 2019

Hamilton Volunteers
Pictured are Hamilton volunteers who served 250 hours in the last service year. From left are Kay Moore, Pam Ackerman, Earlene Dupree, Larry Bledsoe, Stacy Davidson, Cecil McClure, Terr Ella Flood, Eric Geissinger and Ann Geissinger. Not pictured are Mary Norris and Fanny Valiente.

Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) volunteers were recently recognized at an annual luncheon.

Gay Ann Talley
Gay Ann Talley

“Volunteers are a huge part of our success at Hamilton,” said Gay Ann Talley, Guest and Volunteer Services supervisor. “They perform thousands of hours of service without expecting anything in return.  Our volunteers take pride in all they do and it shows.”

 

Jeff Myers, CEO, and Sandy McKenzie, COO, attended the event and expressed their appreciation for all the service provided by volunteers.

 

Junior Hammontree, Hamilton Medical Center volunteer and recipient of the Veteran of the Year Award from the American Legion, Post 112
Junior Hammontree, Hamilton Medical Center volunteer and recipient of the Veteran of the Year Award from the American Legion, Post 112

The volunteers are from all walks of life, and several volunteers are veterans who consistently help veterans in the area. One of them, Junior Hammontree, recently received the Veteran of the Year Award from the American Legion, Post 112. Hammontree’s nomination mentioned that he takes disabled veterans to appointments, and he serves on the Honor Guard, which participates in approximately 115 military funerals each year.

 

During the luncheon, volunteers were celebrated for their years of service. They included: five years, Vivian Chance, Nancy Hampton, Roger Ellis, Eric Geissinger, Joel Phillips and Fanny Valiente; 10 years, Terr Ella Flood; 15 years, Pauline Harrison; 20 years, Yvonne Otts and Cheryl Watson; 35 years, Lucy Staten.

 

Volunteers with more than 250 hours of service in the past service year (from Oct. 1, 2017, to Sept. 30, 2018) included Pam Ackerman, Larry Bledsoe, Stacy Davidson, Earlene Dupree, Terr Ella Flood, Ann Geissinger, Eric Geissinger, Cecil McClure, Kay Moore, Mary Norris and Fanny Valiente. Volunteers with more than 500 hours of service included Roger Ellis and Brad Jones (and his dog, Marti).

 

Hamilton’s PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diligence and Excellence) values awards were awarded to Robin Stiles for Professionalism, Fanny Valiente for Respect, Gary Benson for Integrity, Silva Borja for Diligence and Pam Ackerman for Excellence.

Roger Ellis and Brad Jones (and Marti).
Roger Ellis and Brad Jones (and Marti)

Pauline Harrison received the coveted 2018 Eva McCamy Award.  Harrison has served the patients and families of Hamilton Medical Center as a volunteer for 15 years.  “She has a wide array of talents and embodies all our PRIDE values,” said Talley. “She is a leader in so many ways and serving with compassion is just part of who she is.” Harrison is also a past Heart of Hamilton Award recipient for going above and beyond her responsibilities.

 

The Eva McCamy Award was created many years ago to honor Eva McCamy for her outstanding, selfless, dedicated volunteer service for Hamilton during World War II. She served as one of the first Gray Ladies at Hamilton Memorial Hospital (HMC’s name at the time). Yearly, this award is given to someone who consistently displays leadership as well as a gentle servant heart.

 

“We are very honored at Hamilton to have the best volunteers around,” Talley said. “We appreciate all they do for us. It takes a special person to volunteer. Thank you, volunteers, for all you do.”

 

For more information about becoming part of Hamilton’s volunteer team, please call 706-272-6147. Applications are available at the information desk located at the front entrance of the hospital or on the second floor in the Volunteer Command Center.

Filed Under: Associate Recognition, News Tagged With: awards, volunteer

Ramping Up Collaboration

September 7, 2018

Volunteer with Hamilton Hospice
Pictured are some of the Ramp Team members from First Baptist Church of Dalton who recently helped build an access ramp for a Hamilton Hospice patient. From left are Bill Cosby, Bob “The Builder” Harrell and Don Mincey

A Hamilton Hospice patient was recently in need of an access ramp for his residence. Ann Larkin-Huff, social worker, contacted several community organizations known to have expertise in ramp building.

 

The Ramp Team of First Baptist Church of Dalton agreed to assist and got busy.  Led by Bob “The Builder” Harrell, the team met with the spouse of the patient, assessed the need and set a plan.  Once the patient and wife agreed to the plan, the lumber and supplies were ordered.

 

The team began pre-building the ramp in a warehouse in Dalton and then delivered the sections to the residence.  The next morning, the team met at the residence, and by noon the ramp was completed.

 

“Hospice care is a collaboration of all community resources assisting patients and their families navigate a difficult season of life,” said Susie Compton, director of Hamilton Home Health and Hospice. “Patients and their families deserve the best that can be offered. Hospice cannot provide everything they need.  Community resources like the Ramp Team of First Baptist Church of Dalton are so important in providing quality end-of-life care.”

 

Compton said Hamilton Hospice is grateful for community partnerships and volunteers who offer their time and expertise.  For more information on how you can assist, call Megan Little, Hamilton Hospice volunteer coordinator, at 706-278-2848.

Filed Under: Community, News Tagged With: community, hospice, volunteer

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