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A heartfelt thank you to UTSW volunteers

Published on: May 18, 2023 By: Staff Reports

Three people smiling, person in middle is holding a sign that says 2500 hours — Jeannette Lynch, recognized for 2,500 hours of service, was one of the dozens of UT Southwestern volunteers honored recently at an appreciation luncheon.

On April 22, dozens of UT Southwestern volunteers and staff gathered at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, marking a return to the tradition of the University’s annual Volunteer Appreciation luncheon. These giving individuals were recognized for their milestone years and hours of service.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Attendees of the Volunteer Appreciation luncheon reconnected over barbecue and cake, marking a welcome, in-person return for the annual event.

Volunteer Aryan Verma (second from left), with Hidalia Myers and Joseph “Joe” Myers, Spiritual Care and Support volunteers who serve in special events at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and with NICU

Spiritual Care and Support volunteer Berta Montes, who was nominated for Volunteer of the Year for the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Awards, and Nicole Edwards, Volunteer Services Administrative Assistant.

Volunteers were recognized for reaching milestones, such as 3,500 hours of service.

Callie, one of UT Southwestern’s therapy dogs from volunteer partner Heart of Texas, regularly visits patients at the Radiation Oncology Building and the Simmons Cancer Center.

“It’s so good to be back,” said Yasmeen Ali, who was honored at the event for her five years of service.

UTSW volunteers Mr. Myers, Mrs. Myers, and Vernon Gewa. Mr. Gewa volunteers at the UT Southwestern Monty and Tex Moncrief Medical Center at Fort Worth.

Arbidella “Della” Hoof (left), of Simmons Cancer Center Administration, and SCCC Infusion Patient Advocate Volunteer Amanda Reuter. As an advocate, Ms. Reuter assists patients through the infusion process.

Therapy dogs like Rey prove to be popular guests at this year’s luncheon.

Spiritual Care and Support Intern Sara Cowley, sitting with her husband, Cameron Cowley, shares experiences from patients’ visits.

The Rev. John O’Neal, Director of Chaplain Services, presents Ms. Ali with a certificate for five years of service.

The Rev. O’Neal poses with Azmeena Karim, a Golden Girl volunteer from The Senior Source.

Fatima Mehdi receives a certificate for five years of service recognition.

Habiba Merchant is honored for five years of volunteerism at UT Southwestern.

Volunteer Joseph Riegel addresses the crowd after being honored for five years of service.

Dolly Wu was recognized for completing 3,500 hours of service on research for cancer as part of the Radiology Research Project.

Jeannette Lynch logged 2,500 hours of service in Spiritual Care as a Eucharistic Minister.

The “5 Years” honorees: Mr. Riegel, Ms. Merchant, Ms. Ali, Ms. Karim, and Ms. Mehdi.

Ms. Ali shares a hug with Sherri Wood Cooper, Manager of Volunteer Services at UT Southwestern.

Ms. Merchant, Ms. Ali, Ms. Wood Cooper, Ms. Mehdi, and Ms. Karim.

Dolly Wu dedicated 3,500 hours of her time to volunteer at UT Southwestern.

Ms. Wood Cooper, Patricia Ferguson Reyher, M.S.N., RN (Comets HELP Nurse Specialist), the Rev. O’Neal, and Mr. Verma

Cindy Bedford poses for the camera with her dog, Callie, Ms. Ali, and Ms. Mehdi.