Five Cedar Valley Hospice volunteers were honored by the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Iowa in 2016. They include: Dorothy Duffy, Kay Schultz, Jean Lanske, Mike Walden and Sister Jeanine Kuhn. Photo submitted

Waterloo – The Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Iowa (HCPAI) honored five Cedar Valley Hospice volunteers at its Recognition Ceremony last fall at the Courtyard by Marriott in Ankeny.

Mike Walden and Sister Jeanine Kuhn were honored from Cedar Valley Hospice’s Waterloo site; Jean Lanske from the Waverly site; Dorothy Duffy from the Independence site; and Kay Schultz from the Grundy Center site.

Mike first became a volunteer with our Friends of Cedar Valley Hospice Committee in 2009, where he helped raise money by planning events. He then served on our Governing Board from 2012-2015. Meanwhile, as a professional photographer, he uses his talents to help the organization document its events and special occasions. Now, he serves as a patient/family volunteer. Mike’s respect for the organization continues to drive him to be a part of our mission and we value him greatly for it.

Sister Jeanine came to us with a mission to serve others as they enter their final journey. She volunteers at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home where she greets families and visitors and shows them to patients’ rooms. She also provides comfort to worried family members who need somebody to visit with. She has put in over 424 hours in the last two-and-a-half years. Her compassion and guidance is unparalleled as an addition to our volunteer program.

Jean took the volunteer training class 30 years ago in 1986 and is still going strong. She has continued to support others with her kindness, generosity and expertise always with an upbeat attitude. She also supports our team by helping in our local parades and anything else that is needed. Jean is an honored volunteer of the team and her dedication is second to none.

Dorothy became a volunteer in 2003 because of her love of helping people and wanting to offer comfort and companionship to hospice patients. Dorothy has empathy for her patients and relates well with their families, too, always offering a warm smile and a listening ear. Her positive presence and heart for serving is felt by those around her.

Kay has been a volunteer since 2006. She provides companionship and caregiver respite for patients and families by extending a helping hand, warm smile, calming voice and bringing her patients fresh flowers. She also enjoys helping out in the office by answering the phone and is willing to volunteer at any time.

To see the full list of HPCAI’s 2016 honored volunteers or for more information about the event, visit www.hpcai.org. To become a Cedar Valley Hospice volunteer, call 319.272.2002.