York resident Jackie Lawruk, pictured at right with (l to r) YH Chief Patient Experiences Officer Corky Thompson, YH Volunteer Coordinator Kate Ford, Jackie and fellow volunteer Diane Williams, is one of a handful of York Hospital retirees who are now dedicated volunteers. Jackie was nominated as one of York Weekly’s 2019 Christmas Angels by Kate Ford for consistently going above and beyond and being “THE person” she can ask to do just about anything that needs doing. We are sharing excerpts from the Seacoastonline.com article celebrating Jackie’s achievement.
After 30 years of working in the YH medical records department, Jackie retired six years ago and has been volunteering weekly ever since. “Jackie is one of those volunteers who you can call at the last minute, when you need something done urgently, you need someone to fill in while someone is out or you need an out-of-the-box favor,” Kate Ford said. As far as volunteering for her 30-year employer, Jackie said that she is happy doing whatever needs to be done, as well as staying connected to dear friends who work at the hospital.
Jackie volunteers as a Patient Rounder, in Volunteer Services, Central Registration and also Friendraising. Kate describes Lawruk’s commitment as “awe-inspiring— she is smart, very organized and is always looking at ways to better organize things.” Jackie was instrumental in organizing last year’s 5K road race to benefit the Recovery Center. She worked behind the scenes and was there on race day at the registration table helping runners check-in.
Of all her volunteer roles, Jackie says the Bridges Program is a favorite. She visits patients after they go home to offer support with transportation, light housework and grocery shopping. “I like to help people who need a hand and they are so thankful, they treat you like a queen for showing up for them. It’s necessary work and there are a lot of people in York that need these services,” she said. Jackie is one of YH’s snowbird volunteers. “She does a year of volunteer work in the half year she is here – that’s how efficient she is,” Kate said. During the summer and fall, Jackie volunteers at York Hospital and during the winter and spring, she can be found at the front desk of the Ronald McDonald House in St. Petersburg, Florida, welcoming families and offering tours of the facility. “My sister’s only son had cancer and stayed there, so it’s about giving back to the Ronald McDonald house once or twice a week. Its good to have time to do things like that,” Jackie said. “I love York in the summer and St. Pete in the winter.”