Each year, the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa honors volunteers from hospice organizations across the state. The following volunteers were nominated by Cedar Valley Hospice and honored at a special luncheon held this fall in Altoona.
Sonja Wilhau Grundy Center Patient/Family Volunteer
Sonja has been a Cedar Valley Hospice volunteer since 2006. She provides direct care to patients and families by extending a helping hand, warm smile, great stories and a listening ear. She also serves on the Advisory Board and is always willing to help with fund-raising activities. Sonja has been a true inspiration.
Article Photos
Pictured are three of Cedar Valley Hospice’s 2012 Honored Volunteers: Sonja Wilhau, Alice Hansen and Mary Jane Kane. Not pictured: Cindy Condon and Maxine Welcher.
Mary Jane Kane- Independence Patient/Family Volunteer
When Mary Jane's dad was dying she thought; "there had to be more than this" to help her dad, family and herself navigate through such a difficult time. Later she learned about hospice care and for 16 years she has been assisting patients and families to receive what she and her family needed.
Alice Hansen- Waverly Patient/Family Volunteer
Whether it is a gentle touch, a listening ear or a calm presence, Alice has served many families over the last 25 years.
Cindy Condon Waterloo Patient/Family Volunteer
"I think I can make a difference in someone's life;" that is the comment Cindy wrote on her volunteer application and she was right! Since completing training in April 2010 Cindy HAS made a difference! Her patience and understanding is refreshing to all those she comes in contact with.
Maxine Welcher - Cedar Valley Hospice Home Volunteer
A volunteer since October 2002; Maxine is a regular on the hospice home schedule and always fills in when able. She goes above and beyond; greeting clients and their families with a warm smile while being there for support at a difficult time in their lives.
Cedar Valley Hospice is a not-for-profit, multi-service agency, providing comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care to terminally ill individuals, support for patients' families, and services to those who grieve. Services through Cedar Valley Hospice are available to anyone suffering from any life-limiting illness, regardless of their age, diagnosis or ability to pay. Grief support is available to anyone in the community struggling with the death of a loved one and is offered free of charge. Cedar Valley Hospice serves Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Grundy, Tama, parts of Benton, Chickasaw, Delaware, Fayette, Hardin, Linn and Marshall counties.