Pathways Volunteer Stories

Instructions: To read the following caring stories in their entirety, please click the story title to be taken to that story's page.

A Wicked Sense of Humor and a Caring Heart Make a Special Volunteer

Steve Haley, Pathways Volunteer

 “Steve has a special ability to forge a bond with the patients he sees.  He takes people where they are and makes no judgments and, as a result, is able to see the essence and humanity of each patient.  He combines a wicked sense of humor with a deep spirituality.”

My Story and How I Became Pathways' Pet Assisted Activity Dog

Rusty Broyles, Pathways Pet Volunteer

My name is Rusty and you can see by my color how I got my name. When I was a puppy, I was very quiet, shy and always sweet and gentle. I knew I was different and that my life would be unique, I just didn't know how special it would be. You see, I am proud to say that I am a working dog.

Breaking Barriers with Bubbles

Sherry Rayner, Pathways Volunteer

The most heart wrenching yet fulfilling cases I’ve had as a Hospice volunteer has been with Pathways KIDS. During this time, I have learned that flexibility is the key and there is always a way to communicate.

The Power of Energy Work

Setsuko Sato, Pathways Volunteer

I am stunned by the power of energy work.

So Much to Win, Nothing To Lose

Elizabeth Gonzalez Obregon, Pathways Volunteer

Last year one of my sisters gave me a magazine in which I found “31 ways to help”. That article led me to the webpage www.dosomething.org and found out that a company called Pathways needed volunteers.

Philosopher...Cab Driver...Volunteer

Jesus Portillo, Pathways Volunteer

A natural born philosopher-observer of life, Jesus Portillo has a friend who likes to say, ‘Scarcity is the beginning of value.’ He concluded that one of the scarcest commodities is time. He should know. As a cab dispatcher and driver, he spends his days helping busy people get from one place to another, one appointment to another.

Tales of Love and Loss: Sharing the Past with Jeannine

Christy Yuen, Pathways Volunteer

Jeannine, an 89 year-old French lady, knew her days were numbered. More than anything, she wished to put her memories down on paper. I visited her three times before she suddenly passed away. During those special hours as I typed, her accented voice whisked us back into history…

The Woman Who Comes to Visit Me

Daneen Pederson, Pathways Volunteer

When a patient’s daughter paid a visit, she noticed an Australian Shepherd, stuffed toy next to her mother’s bedside. When asked who gave her the toy, her 90-year old mother replied, “The Woman Who Comes to Visit Me.”