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Vicky Riesselman, St. Mary's Hospital's Volunteer dedicated to service.
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A lot of people look for ways to give back to the community after they retire. St. Mary's Hospital has more than 200 volunteers who serve in just about all areas of the hospital. Most are retired-but not all.
Vicky Riesselman is one exception. She has been a volunteer for more than ten years. She has a job and family, but makes St. Mary's Hospital a priority.
"I'm very lucky to be able to do this," says Vicky. "I work part-time-it's really hard to find time when you work full time."
Vicky volunteers on Tuesdays. "That's my day. I've always done Tuesdays," she laughs. "I've changed jobs during my tenure, but I always tell them-I need Tuesdays for St. Mary's Hospital."
You could say Vicky started volunteering by accident. "My daughter broke her leg and was a patient here," explains Vicky. "She had wonderful nurses and got great care. I decided I wanted to return the favor. I've stayed on this floor the whole time."
During that time, Vicky says she's seen a lot of changes. "You get to be family with the nurses and other volunteers. You share a history-you see kids grow up, you see marriages, divorces-everything. It really is like a family."
Nurses on the floor have nothing but praise for Vicky. Words used to describe her include wonderful, smart, organized, caring and fun. "She just sees something that needs to be done and does it," says Cheryl Cumberford, RN. "She could probably run our floor!"
For more information about volunteer opportunities at St. Mary's Hospital of Blue Springs call Bobbi Austin, volunteer coordinator at 816-655-5362.
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