Fatima Talebi is a great asset to the PPMC team and is particularly invested in our partnership with the Gift of Life donor campaign.
Thousands of volunteers across Penn Medicine donate their time, energy, and unwavering enthusiasm to making the patient experience as comfortable and positive as possible, whether by providing a listening ear, offering a little extra love and attention, or simply pointing their loved ones in the right direction. During Volunteer Appreciation Week last month, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center honored its incredible group of volunteers in recognition of their unmistakable impact on PPMC’s patients and their families with a week of activities and a celebratory luncheon.
“This week was really focused on reflecting on the vital role our volunteers play in the PPMC community by supporting our staff and showing such a commitment to our patients,” said Naimah Cann, coordinator of Volunteer Services.
Kathy Hickey and Isaac bring some cheer to a 98 (and a half!) year old patient.
One ‘all-star’ volunteer who was honored at the luncheon was Fatima Talebi. Talebi is deeply involved with PPMC’s partnership with Gift of Life donor campaign and is dedicated to giving back and educating the community by raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. She also goes above and beyond every day by connecting with MICU patients and their visitors, and by engaging with staff. As Cann notes, “she is such a great asset to my team, and to know her is to love her.”
Kathy Hickey and her golden retriever Isaac are known by staff and patients throughout PPMC as just the faces to see (and snuggle!) to brighten up your day. Part of the “Presby Pooches – Leashes of Love” pet therapy program, Cann notes that Hickey and Isaac both bring so much love to the hospital every time they visit and have proven such great assets to PPMC.
Tom Disanto is always ready to go above and beyond.
During the luncheon, she recalled that one rainy afternoon, they met a woman who was sitting quietly in the surgical family waiting lounge, and the woman promptly burst into tears, saying, “I needed to see you, Isaac; you can’t imagine the day I’ve had.” Read more about Kathy and Isaac’s special, musical visit with another patient.
Tom Disanto’s sparkling personality encourages patients and staff want to ask him questions, and he is more than happy to answer them all. With his charisma and friendliness, he’s the perfect resource for family members who are nervous or just need a helping hand. He works on multiple units, and even with a full-time job, the team can depend on him to show up and immediately ask how he can help. “He even helped us pilot our activity cart in the ED,” Cann said. “Tom had no problem making the cart his own, and that type of sincerity that makes Tom an all-star volunteer. His heart is as big as his smile!”
Even with a busy schedule, Eddie Okon still makes time to volunteer at PPMC.
Edidiong “Eddie” Okon is another friendly face you see when you enter PPMC. As a patient advocate, there isn’t one task that Eddie takes lightly, and he is always personable, empathetic, and extremely helpful to patients and staff alike. “What I admire about Eddie is that he juggles a full course load, a full time job, and still makes time to come in and talk to our patients,” Cann said. “His love for doing more and going above and beyond is palpable – and commendable.”
Carolyn Matthews is another dedicated volunteer who comes in three times a week. Whether she’s reading to patients (from her well-organized book cart), combing their hair, or just acting as a listening ear and a “bed buddy,” she’s up for anything and does it all with a smile.
Carolyn Matthews and Naimah Cann man their award-winning Patient Safety display!
Cann notes that Matthews is always ready to jump in to help or to cheer up patients, all without ever expecting anything in return. Matthews and Okon also teamed up with Cann during the Patient Safety Fair to man Volunteer Services’ display, which ultimately landed in the top 3!
“Each day, they shine bright in some way and pour so much of themselves into their volunteer work,” Cann said. “Every one of them truly embodies this year’s theme – ‘You Make a World of Difference’ – and I am proud to have them on my team.”