Arris Sullivan has been a volunteer for Tomah Health Hospice Touch / Palliative Care for 30 years. The New Lisbon resident was recognized as the organization’s volunteer of the year during a luncheon April 24. “It’s very nice to receive this, but there sure are a lot of other people that deserve it,” said Sullivan who is among 23 Hospice volunteers. “It’s been a great experience for me. You meet a lot of wonderful people that you wish you would have known their whole life because they’re so kind.”
Hospice Touch / Palliative Care volunteer specialist Beth Shetter said while it’s hard to single out just one person, Sullivan has been a devoted volunteer who always supports the organization and patients. “The heart that she uses in serving our patients stands out to me,” explained Shetter. “Arris is always willing and always does it with a smile and just shows incredible compassion for our patients.”
Shetter said they decided to bring back a volunteer luncheon to thank volunteers for their service. “Our volunteers do so much. The impact they make on our patients is incredible, and there’s not enough we can do for them to express how important their role is to us and to the community.”
Sullivan said she enjoys being a Hospice volunteer to help others. “It’s probably the most rewarding job I’ve ever had because you get to help people. I’m kind of a part Irish, so I got the gift of gab, so I fit right in with people.” She also encouraged others to consider volunteering. “I would suggest that anyone that has any compassion at all and has been through a death in a family, they know how hard it is, and to be in hospice is really rewarding.”
Shetter said volunteers play a vital role for the Hospice / Palliative Care program providing support at the organization’s office in Tomah and kitchen assistance as well as visiting patients throughout the area in their homes. She said organization is always looking for additional volunteers. “We would love if they have something that they enjoy doing, we can find a place for them.”
Tomah Health Hospice Touch / Palliative Card volunteers are required to complete volunteer orientation, provide at least 24 hours of documented volunteer service in a calendar year and attend 16 hours of specialized training.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can all the Tomah Health Hospice Touch / Palliative Care office at (608)374-0250 or visit our website, CLICK HERE