CINCINNATI-Drake Center will honor its volunteers to celebrate National Volunteer Week at a special luncheon on April 22. This year's theme is "Volunteers Build a Better World."
Among those being honored are four high school friends from the Drake Auxiliary who rallied around one of the women when her 18-year-old son suffered a catastrophic brain injury in an accident while playing basketball. David spent 20 years at Drake, confined to a wheelchair, unable even to speak. The friendship of these four women and the contributions they have made to the Drake Auxiliary over the last 30 years is a unique and inspiring story. This year marks the 10th anniversary of David's death, yet these dedicated women continue to volunteer to raise funds for patient care.
Also being honored is a woman who cared for her mother for 14 years while she was a patient at Drake. She fell in love with the other patients, and has spent the last decade volunteering her time and talents. She will be inducted into the Volunteer Hall of Fame for 2010. Here are their stories:
Drake Auxiliary "Circle of Friends"
Betty Wunderlich began volunteering with the Auxiliary in 1980 because it was a way to give her son, David, "some kind of life, to get him involved in activities." Betty came to Drake nearly every day for 20 years to care for David. She served as president of the Auxiliary for seven years. To support Betty, three high-school girlfriends rallied around her, visiting David and getting actively involved with the Auxiliary. Kathleen Greager, Marilyn Fuller, and Judy Stalford have dedicated nearly 30 years each to the Auxiliary, serving as officers and tireless fundraisers. What these four friends have contributed to Drake through the Auxiliary, their friendship, and love for David is immeasurable. Among the many items the Auxiliary has purchased include clinical equipment for aquatic therapy, stroke rehabilitation, radiology, and speech pathology, as well as wheelchairs and scooters. In 2010, the Auxiliary is planning to purchase a specialized van that can transport up to eight patients.
Gertha Carr's mother was a patient at Drake from 1994 to 2008, following surgery for a brain tumor. During those difficult years, Gertha came to Drake faithfully to care for her mother. She also began to transport other residents to on-site Bible studies and church services. In 1999, when she retired, she became an "official" volunteer. "You really instantly fall in love with patients and want to assist them. Even days I don't volunteer, I'll come visit patients to talk to them," she said. When friends ask her why she keeps coming back to Drake after her mother's death, she answers, "I'm grateful and want to show my appreciation. I get more than I give."
Members of the media: A photo opportunity will take place during the April 22 luncheon at Drake Center at 12 noon. Please meet in the West Pavilion Lobby.
Drake Center is a not-for-profit, long-term acute care hospital, providing both medically complex and rehabilitative care, as well as skilled nursing, assisted living, research and various outpatient and wellness services. For more information, visit DrakeCenter.com or call 513-418-2500.
