St. Francis Healthcare System volunteers were honored in late April,
as part of National Volunteer Recognition Month. Mahalo to all of our volunteers and congratulations to the following St. Francis Healthcare System outstanding volunteers for their support to advance our mission of creating healthy communities. They were recognized by Jerry Correa, President & CEO of St. Francis Healthcare System; Patty Martin, Vice President – Mission and Organizational Effectiveness; and
Renny Iwasa, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator.
Roberta Lovely:
2017 System Volunteer of the Year
Roberta Lovely began her association with St. Francis as a registered nurse in 1971. She worked in various departments until 2006, when St. Francis sold its dialysis business to Liberty Dialysis.
Before Roberta retired last year, she started volunteering in St. Francis Healthcare Foundation and Human Resources. She was able to put her skills as an organizer, operations manager and trainer to work. Roberta also helped to launch St. Francis Healthcare System’s new caregiver training session on bathing with Maylynn Wong, Manager – Volunteer Programs, and Trish Walsh-Domingo, RN. Roberta continues to be the featured trainer for this class.
“Due to Roberta’s special qualities and giving heart. Our faces light up with a smile from ear to ear each time she walks into the room. We truly are blessed with her great ideas, positive attitude and ability to bring folks together especially over one of her delicious meals.”
Gertrude Izuka:
2017 Volunteer of the Year
for Inpatient Hospice
Gertrude Izuka, a retired licensed practical nurse with more than 30 years of experience, is the 2017 Volunteer of the Year for Inpatient Hospice. She helps patients and their families in St. Francis Healthcare System’s inpatient hospice facility in Nuuanu. She volunteers six hours every week and, over the past year, has contributed more than 320 hours.
Her love, compassion, and her willingness to do more for others make her a shining example. Her willingness to help in time of need has had the opportunity to be with patients in their home in their final hours through the No One Dies Alone program.
Rance Okudara:
2017 Volunteer of the Year
for Hospice (Nursing Facilities)
Rance Okudara has been a hospice volunteer since May 2014, but the defining moment for Rance occurred on June 21, 2015 at noon when he first walked into a patient’s room to greet a woman. After more than 150 volunteer hours and 92 visits over two years, their friendship is still going strong.
Rance has bought this patient numerous batteries for her hearing aids, and she has taught him how to crochet numerous times. They have become like family. In fact, a photo of Rance’s wedding is displayed among other family photos in the patient’s room.
Tom Higa: 2017 Volunteer of the Year
for Hospice Bereavement Services
Tom Higa, the 2017 Volunteer of the Year for Hospice Bereavement Services, is known for his outstanding work ethic. For many years, Tom has taken on the responsibility for engineering new tasks and ensuring he gets the job done, no matter how daunting.
Even after his dad passed away and he became a caregiver for his mom, Tom has found a way to care for mom as well as his bereavement duties. The Hospice Bereavement Team says: “We just couldn’t do it without Tom and his loyal team of Friday volunteers!”
Brenda Chase:
2017 Volunteer of the Year
for Our Lady of Kea‘au
Brenda Chase has brought peace and joy to the Our Lady of Kea‘au campus, working tirelessly to improve the natural beauty of this retreat center.
Although she works full-time, she manages to put in a second full-time effort at ur Lady of Kea’au. She is solely responsible for revitalizing the labyrinth and has transformed the former weed-ridden “kiddie pool” area into a relaxing garden.Brenda always finds something to improve. She is now in the process of establishing an organic garden on the eastern side of the campus, and is applying her carpentry skills to refurbish several old donated tables that will be used in the Our Lady of Kea‘au’s dining area.
She has set an excellent example for everyone at Our Lady of Kea’au. Her patient and loving Christian spirit reminds us to give thanks for our daily blessings and to live life one day at a time.
Others are inspired by her drive and determination as well as her patient and understanding heart. She has been a true blessing to Our Lady of Kea’au!