A 75-year-old grandma who beat bowel cancer is giving back to the hospital which saved her life – clocking up 25 years and more than 6500 hours as a volunteer at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane.
Grandmother of six Denise Lewis is one the longest-serving members of the 450-strong volunteer team at the South Brisbane hospital.
Shining a spotlight during National Volunteer Week (20-26 May), the ward assistant, who provides companionship and practical support to patients during their stay, is encouraging others to lend a hand in their community and help make a difference to someone’s life.
Mrs Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer just 12 months after she began volunteering at Mater.
“I was working in the oncology ward at Mater when I first began volunteering in 1999, so it was quite ironic to have been diagnosed soon after becoming a volunteer,” Mrs Lewis said.
Mrs Lewis, who is now cancer-free, underwent six months of chemotherapy before accepting a role as a cuddle carer in the former Mater Children’s Hospital.
“Doctors told me I came close to not being here,” Mrs Lewis said.
“The cancer was spreading to my lymph nodes and I am lucky I saw a doctor when I did, otherwise I may never have been able to enjoy all the things I do about volunteering.
“What I enjoy about the many volunteering roles I’ve had at Mater is being able to help in any small way, whether it be a patient, staff member or anyone who needs help finding their way around the hospital,” Mrs Lewis said.
The retiree, from Upper Mount Gravatt on Brisbane’s southside, said that when she’s not volunteering at the hospital she juggles her time between playing tennis with close friends, coordinating a walking group three times a week and spending time with family.
“I actually don’t have a lot of spare time, even at my age,” Mrs Lewis laughed.
“I absolutely love volunteering and helping others, it gives me great satisfaction.”
Mrs Lewis took on the role as ward assistant after 13 years accompanying the owners of pet therapy dogs to visit sick children in hospital.
The large collection of service badges on Mrs Lewis’ Mater lanyard are an indication of her long dedication to Mater and its patients.
“Many people comment on my badges, mostly when I am in lifts or when I’m escorting patients upon discharge. It creates a conversation and inspires others to think about volunteering,” she said.
Mater Volunteers Senior Manager Judy Johnson said Ms Lewis’ commitment made her a valued member of the volunteer team.
“When you volunteer for 25 years you can build meaningful relationships with staff and earn their trust,” Mrs Johnson said.
“We call on Denise’s experience to train and mentor our new volunteers. There is not much about Mater that Denise doesn’t know.”
To find out more about volunteering at Mater phone 3163 8599, email volunteers@mater.org.au or visit www.mater.org.au/group/careers/volunteering
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