David McConnell, volunteer at Mercy Health Hospice House of the Valley by Compassus, finds fulfillment when he sits with patients who are alone or have no family nearby. Every Friday, McConnell volunteers at the front desk and spends time with patients, offering them comfort and companionship. David talks, sings and plays music to create a peaceful environment for patients.
“I talk to them, even if they don’t respond.”
His dedication shines in stories like the one he recalls where a young man who was able to receive his high school diploma while his mother was navigating her end-of-life journey. “This facility exudes love,” McConnell says, describing his role as a privilege and a source of peace.
Mercy Health Hospice House by Compassus, the only standalone hospice in the area, relies on compassionate volunteers like McConnell to support its mission. Volunteer coordinator Jennifer Burgoyne notes that new volunteers are always welcome and undergo training to equip them for this meaningful work.
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