VNA & Blue Water Hospice leadership honors staff quarterly through the ‘Shining Star’ program, recognizing the extras they do for each other, their patients, and the community.

Let’s get to know Cathy!

Cathy is a volunteer at the Blue Water Hospice Home. She has been with VNA & Blue Water Hospice since May 2017.

What do you do at VNA & BWH?

I greet visitors and guide them through the sign-in process at the Blue Water Hospice Home. Some don’t understand the importance of signing in – but I explain it is for emergency purposes, we need to know who is in the building and they agree. I can see that some of our visitors need to talk before heading in to see their loved one – so we’re a listening ear for them. 

Why did you choose this type of service?

I also volunteer at my church and enjoy that too! We have four grandsons, and we don’t want to miss out on any of their activities. I love that both my church and the Hospice Home are very flexible. In addition, I feel like I make a difference…I can be there for our visitors when they need me.

Why do you choose to volunteer at VNA & BWH?

I volunteered at a hospital for a short time – it just wasn’t for me. Honestly, I can’t remember how I started at the Hospice Home. I met Heidi (Volunteer Coordinator) and knew I wanted to be here. She is key to all of us volunteers – she is very encouraging, kind, and always communicates with us. The staff is such a good group of fun-loving people.

What is a favorite memory you have of VNA & BWH?

My neighbor’s wife was given a life-limiting diagnosis. I spoke with him about hospice care and the Blue Water Hospice Home. He asked if I would visit the Hospice Home with him as support; he met with staff and knew this was the right place for his wife. He was impressed with the hands-on care she received as well as the wonderful facility. It was very touching to be a part of that process – I hold that experience very close to my heart.

Heidi recognized Cathy as a Shining Star!

Cathy is a shining star at the greeter’s desk on Thursday afternoons. She greets everyone with a smile and kind words. Cathy takes the time to listen while our visitors are checking in. There are times she senses the need to listen more if they need her to. Cathy’s kindness shines with each visitor she greets.

If you would like to thank a staff member, volunteer, or physician at VNA & Blue Water Hospice, go to https://www.vnabwh.org/thankyou/.