Robert Ingersoll of Great Bend knows what it’s like to be a cancer patient who needs a kind word or a helping hand.
And for the last several years, he has also known the rewards of extending that kindness.
Ingersoll is one of five Heartland Cancer Center (HCC) volunteers recently honored at a special luncheon at the Club at StoneRidge in Great Bend. The others were Mary Bayer, Kay Maneth, Nancy Soeken and Sister Stella Weber.
Even though Ingersoll is still an HCC patient, he finds the time to spend several hours a week helping his peers and the staff.
“I just do whatever they need me to do,” Ingersoll said. “I make coffee and wrap cookies, and take them to the patients. And when patients need a little help to their car, I will escort them.
“The staff at the cancer center has always treated me so well, and I wanted to give back,” he added. “Yes, there are some sad moments but it is rewarding and you meet a lot of nice people.”
Jamie Hutchinson, R.N. and radiation oncology clinic manager, said volunteers are invaluable to the patients and staff.
“Our volunteers can give patients a little extra one-on-one,” Hutchinson said. “They can visit with patients and help make them more comfortable.”
The number of hours spent at HCC is strictly up to the volunteers. In addition to helping with refreshments, they keep the magazine collection up-to-date, get blankets for patients and help with decorations.
“They can also relay messages to the staff,” Hutchinson said. “We hope to start asking volunteers to help us apply for grants through the Golden Belt Community Foundation too.”
Several new volunteers recently signed on to help and more people are encouraged to consider joining the group. For more information, contact Hutchinson by calling 620-792-5511.