August 2015 Featured Volunteer: Malou Javier

TRF’s Volunteer of the Month for August 2015 is retired teacher Marilou “Malou” Javier.

Q&A with MALOU

How did you come to volunteer for TRF?

Last summer, I searched for a non-government organization (NGO)  via Internet to find an institution where I can serve in Christian missions.  Incidentally, I had a chat with Ms. Michal Pasaporte, an on-line friend, who happened to be my former student in the School of Tomorrow (SOT) Philippines.  She was the channel of blessing who gave me knowledge about TRF.  I admire this organization and got interested to apply personally as a volunteer.

What were your expectations as a volunteer?

My expectations were to be able to spend my time meaningfully in Christian missions, especially to orphans and widows and to learn new things of giving tender loving care to the elderly and patients with cancer.

Describe the activities you volunteered for, and why did you choose them?

Actually, I was willing to do any activity that is related to teaching, guidance, and things spiritual in nature because of my background in psychology and education. I like how TRF puts to work the ‘Happy Room’ Projects.  Maybe someday, I will share in the gardening efforts aside from doing spiritual things like praying and giving encouragement.

What are your key reflections/lessons? How has the experience changed your life?

Life is short and death is certain.  Therefore, seize every opportunity to do things that really matter.   Spell love as T-I-M-E.  I salute family members of patients who put high priority on being with their loved ones in moments when they need palliative care.

Faith is the substance of things we hope for.  When we pray, we humble ourselves to our Creator.  We depend on Him for ultimate healing.   

Communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally.  I learned that while massage is considered a luxury to some; it is an essential touch to people who need comfort.

Encourage other people to volunteer, to help in any good way.  It is a way of giving thanks and allowing one’s self to be a blessing to others.

My experience with TRF has led me to more lessons on patience, appreciating the medical field (Doctors and other medical practitioners are interesting. I think I need to learn some of their jargon), and commitment to a prayerful life.  It changed my life from being frantic to being at peace and being totally present where I am, taking time to listen carefully.

Thank you Malou!

July 2014 Featured Volunteer: Noemi Mamaril

TRF’s Volunteer of the Month for July is private duty nurse Normita “Noemi” Mamaril.

Q&A with NOEMI

How did you come to volunteer for TRF?

I came to know TRF through a Wound Care Seminar the foundation held in partnership with Calmoseptine.

What were your expectations as a volunteer?

To participate in wound care for the foundation’s referred patients in their homes.

Describe the activities you volunteered for, and why did you choose them?

Actually all activities done by the team are the same activities in the hospital, the only difference is the setting. Through this, my dream to give my time, loving care, and expertise for free with God at my side  came true.

What are your key reflections/lessons? How has the experience changed your life?

Well it was fruitful in the sense that from the first day I stepped into the TRF office it felt like I was part of the foundation for a long time. The doctors were kind and I felt that they appreciated whatever contribution I shared during house visits. It has changed my life a lot since the foundation deals with people from all walks of life yet whenever challenges occur in their journey they express it with tears flowing in their eyes uttering that God and Jesus will help them no matter how difficult it  is. That truly inspired me.

Thank you Noemi!

June 2014 Featured Volunteer: Edmar Elcarte

RF’s Volunteer of the Month for June is palliative nurse Edmar San Jose Elcarte.

Q&A with EDMAR

How did you come to volunteer for TRF?

My application as a volunteer of TRF was an accident. I remembered that day when I simply accompanied my best friend, AJ Amores to the TRF office to visit his friends. I was very curious about TRF and why it exists. After a few minutes in the TRF office, Nurse Badette and Miss Leng entered the room. AJ introduced me to them and we talked. Nurse Badette asked me, “Do you want to become volunteer of TRF?”. And I just answered her with a smile (I’m was actually just waiting for someone to invite me to join TRF, mostly out of curiosity) and this was the start of my journey as a volunteer of The Ruth Foundation. A blessing in disguise.

What were your expectations as a volunteer?

As a student and a youth leader molded by previous volunteer work, I did not have any expectations. For me, it is nicer not to expect because it just disappoints you if your expectations are unmet. I believe that life is full of surprises and mysteries. Expect the unexpected. Indeed, being a volunteer is not about what is expected, but it is all about what I can give and sacrifice even if there is nothing in return. It is not about the fame nor the recognition I can get, but what is more important is the smile on my patient’s face. I will just do whatever the work entails, as long as I am capable then I will give. Expect less. Do more.

Describe the activities you volunteered for, and why did you choose them?

I am volunteering as a palliative nurse doing home visits, documentation and office work. This sort of work makes me happy and productive. I really enjoyed doing home visits, especially while interviewing the patient, doing nursing care and making individualized nursing care plans for each patient. On the other hand, I also love doing office work because I am a perfectionist and a time-bound person. This makes me more productive in my free time after work and for other personal responsibilities. Moreover, I chose to volunteer for TRF to help individuals journeying in the terminal stages of their lives. As the head of hemodialysis unit, I am already well versed in the situations of patients with terminal conditions like Chronic Kidney Disease. Their experiences, family connections, emotions, and problems in finances. And this also motivates me to become a volunteer.

What are your key reflections/lessons? How has the experience changed your life?

Inspite of being a newbie, I had a great experience that was priceless. It is more about my self worth being a nursing professional and my inner happiness as a son of God. Maybe this is my perfect time to pay back for the blessings I had this past years. I hope through TRF, I can reach more who really need my help as a friend or even a brother. TRF helped me to realize that, wellness is beyond happiness and freedom from illness. It is more about the dimensional balance of a person in his physical-psychological-socioeconomical-and-spiritual wellbeing. At the end of every home visits there are learnings that are not being taught in school. The lessons of life that help us to face all the struggles in everyday living. I have learned that patients must be treated holistically, considering their wholeness and uniqueness. I have also learned that communication is a very important aspect in nursing management, utilizing the art of touch and empathy towards the patient. I have become more compassionate and sensitive to the feelings of my patients.

Thank you Edmar!

May 2014 Featured Volunteer : AJ Amores

TRF’s first ever Volunteer of the Month is 23 year old staff nurse Al John “AJ” Amores.

Q&A with AJ

How did you come to volunteer for TRF?

I was invited by a friend to attend the ELNEC training which is a project of the foundation and that’s how I got started in my TRF journey.

What were your expectations as a volunteer?

I wanted to share the knowledge I gained in school and to help other people who are in need of care and assistance. I also wanted to gain new knowledge about palliative and hospice care and to gain experience in caring for the sick and dying. I also expected to help with office work and to work in arts and crafts projects.

Describe the activities you volunteered for, and why did you choose them?

Patient & Family Support – Because this is actually what I do as a nurse. I wanted to be able to serve with my nursing skills but also to make patients and their families feel important and to make them understand that there is someone to comfort them during times of loneliness.

Crafts/Hobbies/Design – I love the arts and I wanted to share this love with the patients through drawing, painting and other projects and to make them smile.

Office Work – I wanted  to assist the TRF staff in making things like power point presentations and the like and to help them accomplish these things on time.

Photography – Taking pictures is what I love to do so I volunteered to help document the memorable events of TRF.

What are your key reflections/lessons? How has the experience changed your life?

Being a TRF volunteer is such a privilege and this was such a happy experience! Every home visit is a memory to keep and an experience of a lifetime. I attended events like Art Therapy where I learned how to appreciate art and how it can be used to help the sick. I also attended other seminars which helped me to understand better what palliative and hospice care is all about. I will treasure these events for the rest of my life. I would also like to thank the TRF staff, who guide and support me and are like a second family to me. Community service enhances my quality of life. I believe it is important to the person who serves as well as to the recipient. It’s a way in which we ourselves grow and develop. Helen Dyer said, “Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” I believe that the secret to being happy is doing things for other people. I am a proud volunteer, and I am proud to be a part of the Ruth foundation.

Thank you AJ!