A Serving Heart - National Volunteer Appreciation Week
- Jancey Sheats
- Apr 28, 2017
- 3 min read
As we wrap up National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we would be amiss if we didn't recognize all of our loyal volunteers and the countless hours they dedicate to Mamie's. Last year, they logged more than 3,000 hours processing plates at our monthly volunteer nights and helping out with Race to Remember.
This past Tuesday, we noticed a new face among the group. As a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit nurse at Arkansas Children's, Vickie Lauhon has witnessed firsthand the heartbreak of losing a child. Her compassion and serving spirit led her to Mamie's. She not only gives her time to Mamie's but is leaving on a medical mission trip next month to South America. Vickie was willing to share with us why she volunteers!
How did you hear about Mamie's?
- I have worked with children/babies for the past 6 years. During that time I had seen the Mamie's Poppy Plate envelopes before and knew that you guys made plates for families, but little did I know it was so much more. I think the first time I had to help obtain hand/footprints it dawned on me how special these plates are/would be to families.
Why did you feel compelled to sign up to volunteer?
- I actually didn't realize there was an opportunity to volunteer until I was talking with a co-worker (Michelle Stapleton, who volunteers with the Race to Remember, and has dealt with the loss of a child). She informed me that not only could people volunteer at the race, but that you all had monthly volunteer night to finish/pack plates. I knew then that's what I wanted to help with. I got online and researched your website. I found the link to volunteer, and I hope to continue.
As a nurse, have you ever walked through a loss with a family? - Yes, I have walked thru a loss with a few families, but my most recent holds a special place in my heart. I had a patient who when she passed was 11 days old. I had the privilege of taking care of her 5 out of those 11 days. During that time I bonded with her parents,and when the diagnosis came that nothing could be done my heart broke in a million pieces with theirs. However, I was glad that I could be there for them after receiving such devastating news. I helped our child life/social workers obtain hand/footprints of this baby, and tonight I got to see the plate that her parents will be receiving. It brought a smile to my face to see that final piece to the puzzle of mementos they will have of their child.
What kind of an impact did tonight have on you? - Tonight was an honor & privilege to serve to help create a piece that families will hold dear to their hearts. Something that has a tiny hand/footprint that was from their child. Honestly, I loved it!!! I want to help more.
If you are interested in volunteering with Mamie's Poppy Plates, we are looking for people to help out at our Race to Remember coming up May 13th.
We would also love to have you join us for our monthly volunteer nights to help process and ship plates. These are held the last Tuesday of each month. You can sign up by going to our website - www.mamiespoppyplates.com
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