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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Hurley’s July Volunteer of the Month, Susan Kale, has a history at the hospital stretching back to 1978 when she began work as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She retired in 2004 after spending seventeen years in the pediatrics unit. After so many years dedicated to caring for and serving her community, it is no surprise she continues that habit today as a volunteer.
Susan started volunteering in 2009, around the time the main lobby was renovated. She started working at the front desk, and remains the only front desk volunteer today. A normal day sees her greeting patients and visitors and helping them find their destination, whether they are here for an appointment or to visit a patient. On days they are available when she works, Susan passes out floral bouquets and patient mail. She also makes sure there are always wheelchairs available for anyone who needs one. Before COVID-19, she would pass out magazines to waiting rooms, and make sure everyone there had what they needed. Susan’s approach to volunteering is definitely informed by her experience as a nurse. When asked to explain her favorite thing about volunteering at Hurley, she says, “I like to stay consistent with volunteering. I want them to know they can rely on me. I like helping people find their way. They're always so appreciative and I’m glad I can do this thing for them.”
When not volunteering at Hurley, she spends a lot of her free time spending time with her sister. “We do a lot together,” she says. Susan normally goes for a walk each morning, and she also enjoys reading and riding her bike with friends. She also travels with her husband, who also retired from Hurley in 1999, as manager of the laundry.
When she was told that she had been selected as Volunteer of the Month, Susan was surprised, of course, but she also felt honored. After staying so dedicated for over forty years, the honor is definitely deserved, but she does not feel that way. Explaining why she thinks other people should volunteer at Hurley, she says, “I get the pleasure of knowing that I'm doing something for someone else, and I think other people would enjoy that too.”
of the month
Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement

Jordan E. Brown, MBA
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