Terry Fellin

Volunteer

What led you to volunteer at Pardee?

I am a grateful cancer survivor thanks to the team here. Because of that care, my husband and I wanted to give back to others and were among the first people to sign up to volunteer at Pardee Cancer Center when it opened in 2016.

As I look back on my career, I see how my education and each job has contributed to my favorite role – being a volunteer and a volunteer coordinator at Pardee’s outstanding cancer center. I Ioved being with people, especially when I could help them in some way – as a high school teacher, through numerous leadership roles in business, hospital administration and health systems.

What challenges have you faced?

In several of my early job roles, I was among the youngest individuals and one of a small percentage of women. At times I was dismissed or patronized simply because of this. Thankfully, as more women entered and succeeded in the workforce, and I gained more knowledge, experience, and age, those occurrences became less prevalent.

Tell us about someone who inspired you?

Throughout my life I have received great advice and mentoring from both men and women. One of the first female managers in a male dominated organization gave me insightful advice that has served me well:

• Keep everything in perspective. Sometimes what people say about you or to you is more about them than you.
• Find the helpful parts of what is being said: What new information did you learn about the person or the subject matter?  How can you incorporate that information to help achieve the objective?
• How can each day help you achieve your long-term goals? What is your end game? What do you want to do with your life?
• Know your strengths and areas you can improve. Find ways to use and expand your strengths, as well as opportunities and people to help you improve.
• Always do your best.
• Be kind – you never know what anyone else is dealing with.

In what ways do you think volunteers contribute to the overall well-being of patients and staff?

I hear from the staff, patients and the patients’ families that the smiling faces of the volunteers, the gift of their time, and the volunteers’ desire to be of assistance is a delight for all of them.

The volunteers at Pardee Cancer Center have all chosen to be here because they or a loved one or friend has been affected by cancer.  

The volunteers want to help make the patients’ experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We are there to bring them smiles, refreshments, and warm blankets – which are always warmly received! It is a heartfelt pleasure for the volunteers to see the smiles and appreciation of the patients and family members in response. 

The volunteers also feel strongly that they want to assist the staff by handling tasks, within the guidelines of our volunteer roles, that can free up time for the nurses to do what they do best – provide excellent compassionate care to each patient. The nursing staff regularly express their genuine appreciation to the volunteers for their help, which always makes our volunteer time even more meaningful to us.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a volunteer?

If anyone is considering becoming a volunteer, I encourage them to do it! Taking the time to identify where your interests and heart lie will help narrow down where you want to volunteer.