by Erin Adams
(Erin with hospital patient Shoshana)
Shalom, my name is Erin Adams and I am a current participant in the Sar-El hospital volunteer program. I am twenty-five years old and am from the USA. This is my second time volunteering in the program, (fourth time in Israel) and I want to take a few moments to explain the importance of such a program as this.
I have volunteered at two different facilities, "AD120" in Rishon LeZiyyon and "Maon HaRofe" in Moza Illit. Both facilities are in desperate need of help and I was able to provide them with an extra pair of helping hands to feed patients, give them their medication, take them to appointments, assist patients during physical therapy sessions, help with the laundry and kitchen duties and provide the patients with companionship...something they do not have enough of. In my assignments at both facilities, I was constantly told how thankful the staff were for my help and the managers were beyond thankful for the assistance. I was heavily depended upon and made myself an asset to both facilities. Not only does the Sar-El hospital program provide care for very special patients, but it allows the hard-working staff an extra helper. In the words of one of my hospital mangers, "Your smiling face and kindness to our patients and staff are invaluable." The patients and staff benefit tremendously from the each volunteer that enters the program. I know for a fact that the hospitals would feel the great loss of this program if it were to be discontinued. Twelve facilities are listed to receive volunteers. Please don't give up on them, they need our help!
I would like to explain how necessary this program is and I assure that if you saw the faces of the patients, you would see how important it is to them too. It is my intention to continue serving through the Sar-El hospital program for as long as the opportunity lasts and I hope that the program remains active so that other volunteers like myself can continue to help the people of Israel. The Hospital program has a lot of potential to grow and the need for help always remains. This program is not publicized fully and perhaps this explains the lack of volunteers. Yet whether the program has one volunteer or one hundred, it is a necessity. Volunteering changes the lives of all involved.
I also wish to volunteer my time and energy to do whatever it takes to keep this program running. My administrative background allows me to help with organizing, recruiting and maintaining a program such as this. I am willing to voluntarily work fulltime as a recruiter and program organizer. I would do anything I could in order to see that the Sar-El hospital volunteer program remains active.
The experiences I have had as a part of this special program will be with me for a lifetime. I have helped in the lives of others in need and in return they have become like family and friends to me. I know that each volunteer through this program would say the same. All medical facilities need the help and I can't imagine discontinuing a necessary program like this. Once again, I want to thank you for your time and consideration. It is my hope that this program not only remains but continues to grow. I want to see this program continue to help the people of Israel.
Sincerely,
Erin Adams