For the past several years we have spent very serious money hiring temporary help to file, copy and keep us up-to-date with the huge amount of end of the year mail. This year we decided we had to save that money and find volunteers. We found two “angels” and I want you to meet them:
MARK developed epilepsy as an adult and the condition damaged his self confidence and ability to work. He registered as a volunteer with the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York which is how we found him. For the past three months he has come in twice a week to help alphabetize the mountains of acknowledgement letters for filling. In return for an amazing day’s work we treat him to lunch and we eat together. Every day that Mark works here he thanks us for giving him this chance. He is tireless in telling us how happy he is being here and how he is always doing his best work for the kids of ALYN!
This has been an amazing opportunity for us because we are so far away on a daily basis from ALYN Hospital and don’t have the chance to interact with the kids, teens and young adults there. Mark’s volunteering here has given us an incredible gift – the ability to actively transform a disability into an ability.
BEVERLY has been known as Grandma Bev to everyone for the 30+ years I have known her. She was forced to retire from her position as an administrative assistant/clerk in Family Court that interfaced with “Judge Judy’s” office as well as others. She has been keeping busy with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her local senior citizens center. Blessed with a lot of energy, even all that wasn’t enough. In September, her son Kenny who was one of my very dearest and closest friends, sadly passed away. When we were together after his funeral, Bev told me she didn’t know how she would get up in the mornings. She wished she still had a job to go to!. Without really thinking, I just said “Come volunteer for us!”
I was plesaantly surprised when a few weeks later she took me up on the offer. She devotes a day a week to helping us stuff envelopes and get thank you letters in the mail. Despite the long ride she has with Access-a-Ride, she comes in smiling, often with a treat for us. Almost every time she is here, she also donates to ALYN and sends one of our beautiful tribute cards to the many people she knows. We treat Bev to lunch and she always orders a turkey sandwich which we now affectionately refer to as “The Bev”. It has been incredible to receive her help but I think what she has gotten from being here outweighs even that!
Mark and Bev have left a lasting impression on us and we all thank them on behalf of the kids at ALYN!
Cathy Lanyard
Executive Director, American Friends of ALYN Hospital
