West Region
Lyn Hissong, Volunteer
Roseburg, OR
"She is known and loved by everyone!"
This year, Lyn Hissong spent 300 hours in March volunteering at the home of a hospice patient who had no other caregiver. Throughout it all, she continued to see her other patients while caring for her husband who was receiving hospice care. A true caregiver at heart, Lyn has nine children. Three of them have serious medical conditions and one of her granddaughters was recently diagnosed with cancer. Always caring and compassionate, she never fails to put the needs of others, whether family or patients, above her own.
Midwest Region
Amy Inbody, Volunteer
Chatanooga, TN
"Although Amy is unable to work, she continues to volunteer out of appreciation for the life she has been given."
Amy Inbody was a successful salesperson living in California when she noticed that her hands and feet were swelling more often than they should. She was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the tissue. As the disease progressed, Amy was unable to work and moved to Chattanooga to be near her sister. She began volunteering and in the last year has given 150 hours of time to patients and families. In addition, she's started a support group for other scleroderma sufferers in the area. Recently, she was given the United Way of Chattanooga's highest award, the Tapestry of Volunteers' Volunteer of the Year Award. She has made a dramatic impact on the community, her care center and her patients by giving her time and sincere, kind spirit of service to all she meets who are in need.
Northeast Region
Kathy Dallaire, Volunteer
Londonderry, NH
"Her main goal is to bring a measure of comfort, relief and even joy to those who need it the most."
When Kathy Dallaire begins to play her bass recorder or cello, you can see a change sweep over her listeners. Patients relax, their breathing slows and sometimes they find a reprieve from their worry or discomfort. Several times over the past year, Kathy has had the opportunity to lovingly escort a soul from this life with the sound of her music. When playing for an actively dying patient, she switches gears. Instead of familiar songs, she plays long tones, perfectly matched to the pace of the dying patient's breathing. She literally puts herself in tune with the individual's journey from this life. She lifts them up, out of struggle and into release. As one co-worker stated, "I cannot imagine a more peaceful or blessed way to die and the comfort that Kathy's playing brings to the patients' loved ones who are present is immeasurable."
Southeast Region
Anna Worth, Volunteer
Birmingham, AL
"She has a sweet, gentle spirit and is loved by all the families she visits."
While most college students spend their free time attending parties and tailgating, Anna Worth spends hers making a difference. As a volunteer for Amedisys Hospice in Birmingham, Anna's patients adore her and often ask if there is any way to recognize her for her work. One family member described her as dependable, spiritual, compassionate and professional. She volunteers with Amedisys, the Children's Hospital and her sorority, while pursuing a double major at Samford University. She plans to go into the medical field.