Methodist Healthcare System | Keeping Well | Summer 2019

DONNA BAMBERGER Volunteer, Blue Bird Auxiliary Methodist Texsan Hospital and Methodist Hospital Nominated by Christi Bond, Director, Volunteer Services Methodist Hospital and Methodist Texsan Hospital Donna Bamberger has volunteered more than 7,000 hours at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Texsan Hospital as a member of the Blue Bird Auxiliary. Donna joined the Blue Birds on October 31, 1963, serving for more than 55 years. Since Methodist Hospital opened in September 1963, Donna is considered a charter member of the aux- iliary—one of only three remaining charter members. At Methodist Hospital, Donna assisted in the patient escort unit. Begin- ning in 2016, she moved to Methodist Texsan Hospital so that she could have a closer connection with families and patients in a smaller facility. Being a Blue Bird is important to Donna, and her fellow Blue Birds describe her as giving, generous, kind-hearted, happy to help others, everyone’s friend and much more. JOHANNA GEORGEFF Volunteer Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Nominated by Herb Looney, Manager, Volunteer Services Methodist Stone Oak Hospital In only three and one-half years as a volunteer at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, Johanna Georgeff has already accumulated more than 1,100 hours of service. Her ability to connect with visitors and guests as well as with patient families, reflects her humanitarian service. She is a true ambassador for the hospital and an extension of the Methodist promise to “serve humanity…” Johanna volunteers one day in the ER and two days as a greeter in the medical office building each week. Her commitment is so strong that even when she has had extra family responsibilities, she continues vol- unteering. Patients are very complimentary about how Johanna reaches out to them or their families to relieve stress and be the companion they seek in their time of need. MADELINE WELCH Blue Bird Volunteer Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital Nominated by Kathy Black, Director, Administrative Services Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital Madeline Welch has volunteered for Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital as a Blue Bird for more than 10 years, working at the Information Desk. Prior to volunteering she was an employee at Methodist Hospital. She retired from work to be by her husband’s side as he battled liver cancer. Her experience with her husband led her to volunteer because she knew firsthand the fear, nervousness and anxiety one feels when they come into the hospital as a patient or to see a friend or loved one. At the Information Desk, she can immediately help someone whether it is locating their loved one, visiting with them to alleviate stress or praying with them so they know someone cares. Not only does she help train volunteers, but she provides additional support when other volunteers are on leave or need a schedule change. Madeline’s compassion and dedication truly embody the mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God.” VICKI CULP, R.N. Women’s Specialty Unit, Methodist Hospital Nominated by Christine Brinkmeyer, R.N., Interim Director Women’s Specialty Unit, Methodist Hospital Vicki Culp is known for her sweet, calm demeanor; extensive knowledge; and true compassion for her patients and her work. She will come in on her days off and stay late. She has a wonderful, collaborative relationship with physicians. An example of her compassion is a selfless act that she did for a terminal patient. Vicki took care of the patient, a single mother with a young daughter, with grace and kindness until the patient’s death. Then she and her husband, who already had two children of their own, adopted the child. Nikki is now grown, married and raising two of Vicki’s four grandchildren. Vicki’s caring ways extend beyond the hospital and her family. Every week she volunteers at the county jail and is active in her church. In 2015 she participated in a medical mission to Guatemala. MONICA MOLPUS, R.N. Methodist Hospital Nominated by Yvette Lorea, Director of Nursing, Methodist Hospital Monica Molpus is deserving of the award in recog- nition of her outstanding care, compassion, and tire- less efforts to improve patients’ health and well-being within the community. Over the past 10 years with over 1,000 visits, Monica has volunteered her time and love for patient healing through the art of pet therapy with the support of Paws for Service and her trusty companion Bear. Monica and Bear visit patients in our hospital and those in nursing homes in the community to encourage, support and comfort these individuals in their time of need. Monica and Bear devote their time every Wednesday to make their rounds spreading love, happiness and cheer to patients, family and staff. It is astounding that the efforts of one person can truly make such a difference in the art of healing and holistic care. Monica’s genuine concern for welfare and happiness encompasses all people and animals. She is committed to serving her community and is the true epitome of a humanitarian. LAUREN OWEN RAMIREZ Child Life Specialist Methodist Children’s Hospital Nominated by Caitlin Pearce, Child Life Director Methodist Children’s Hospital Since 2011 Lauren Owen Ramirez has made five trips overseas and spent more than 70 days serving children and families in low socioeconomic areas. During her four trips to the Dominican Repub- lic, Lauren helped build a school and playground for a small village, taught Bible school to more than 200 children and provided daily activities for village teenagers. Additionally, Lauren met and sponsored a child from the village for seven years. In 2017 Lauren used her personal vacation time to spend six weeks in East Asia mentoring college students and building relationships in the community. This year, Lauren will spend one week in Guatemala building homes for a severely impoverished community. Lauren not only positively influences patients and families daily but makes the world better by “Serving Humanity to Honor God.” Volunteers Employees K E E P I N G W E L L