Hospital volunteers donate first $50,000 of $250,000 cancer patient fund commitment.

Bobbie Severance-Roach, president, and Jamie Healy, vice president, Volunteer Committee at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital present a $50,000 check to members of Ludington Hospital leadership. From left, Debbie Nellis, volunteer coordinator; Jill Vasquez, HR business partner; Kate Gosslin, chief nursing officer; Aubrey Healy; Helen Johnson, chief operating officer; and Bobbie Severance-Roach.

Hospital volunteers donate first $50,000 of $250,000 cancer patient fund commitment.

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The volunteers of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital presented a $50,000 check Wednesday evening for the hospital foundation’s Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, spearheading the first payment of a $250,000 pledge. The payment was given at the annual volunteer recognition banquet, held at Lincoln Hills Golf Club, where 19 of the 105 volunteers were honored for milestone achievements in volunteer hours.

“On behalf of the volunteers of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, it is my pleasure to present this initial payment of our pledged quarter million dollars,” said Bobbie Severance-Roach, president of the volunteer committee. “We are proud of our tradition of helping the hospital in its mission to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. I’d like to thank each volunteer for the work put into this effort, and each donor who has contributed to it. We all know someone affected by cancer, and this fund is truly helping many, many people right here in our own communities. We’re honored to be a part of that.”

Volunteers in attendance who received a pin for milestones in hours given include: Seated, left to right:  Paul Montminy, 1000 hours; Karen Posma, 4000 hours; Joyce Kazmarski, 6000 hours; Sally Ouweneel, 5000 hours; Janet Baxter, 4,000 hours; Jackie Krieger, 2000 hours; and Ray Stabile, 1000 hours. Standing, left to right:  David Culver, 500 hours; Alice Jones, Connie VanLoon and Marilyn Sweet,100 hours.

The volunteers’ pledge will help local patients of the Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Cancer Center with expenses they incur while undergoing treatment. Assistance is provided for things such as household bills, car payments, groceries, travel for medical appointments, and other related items.

“We are extremely grateful to our volunteer board for its most ambitious pledge to date,” said Kaley Petersen, director, foundation and community services at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “I’d like to thank all of the volunteers at Ludington Hospital, as well as our other many donors who support the volunteer projects, for contributing to this important cause for our patients.”

 In addition to the check presentation, 19 volunteers were honored at the recognition banquet for milestones in hours contributed to the hospital. Joyce Kazmarski was given special recognition for 6,000 volunteer hours. She has volunteered in the hospital gift shop since November, 2,000. An interesting fact shared at the banquet is that in the early ‘70s, her husband, Stanley Kazmarski, served as maintenance engineer at the hospital.

Alice Jones, chairperson, Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Patient Family Advisory Council receives an ACE Volunteer Award for her work on community education of stroke symptoms and response.

“I’m proud to recognize Joyce Kazmarski along with the other volunteers who have achieved milestones in hours, and every single one of our collective 105 volunteers for what they bring to our organization,” said Debbie Nellis, volunteer services coordinator at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “Volunteers are strong contributors to our success. They give philanthropically as well as with their time and talent. In the past year, they collectively gave 15,149 hours to the hospital.”

Volunteers at the hospital work in many departments, from greeting and registration to gift shop and fundraising. All funds raised through volunteer services go to patient-related projects. Anyone interested in volunteering at the hospital may contact Debbie Nellis, volunteer services coordinator, at 231-845-3633.