Pandemic Perseverance: How Our Volunteers are Making an Impact

As we look toward National Volunteer Week 2021, Friends of Strong reflects on a remarkable year of perseverance for our community, and for our volunteers. The pandemic has led to countless changes in our community, and the absence of more than 1,300 smiling volunteers we’re used to seeing in the Med Center is among the most significant. Since COVID-19’s first emerged in our community, Friends of Strong has worked hard to redesign our volunteer program to provide additional training and protocols to safely welcome back our crew of enthusiastic volunteers.

Leading by Example: Consummate Volunteer Rose Faucette Receives Health Care Heroes Award

The dedicated service of this retired Rochester teacher in our Family Waiting Room — combined with her impressive leadership of the Friends of Strong Council and countless hours helping organize many successful fundraisers for the hospital — are among the reasons Rose Faucette is recognized as one of the Rochester Business Journal's 2020 Health Care Heroes.

 

Strong's Pet Therapy Dogs Back for Another Year of Endless Cuddles

Back by pupular demand—our 2020 PET Therapy Dog wall calendar featuring our adorable (and growing) pack of therapy dogs is now available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. Even better, all proceeds from the calendars benefit patient- and family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital.

 

Long-Time Hospital Volunteer Bud ‘The Candy Man’ Wesley Remembered by Friends of Strong

Bud (Leonard) Wesley, husband, grandpa, friend and longtime Strong Memorial Hospital volunteer, died peacefully Oct. 31 at the age 77 surrounded by family and friends.

Inspiring Volunteers Recognized for Unwavering Commitment to Patients, Community

They are the first faces our patients and visitors see when they enter Strong West, and they often are the last people a patient sees before going home from Strong Hospital. They give toys to pediatric patients, and often bring homemade desserts to share with staff. They provide comfort and hope in a gentle and reassuring way. They are our hospital volunteers, and their service to our community speaks volumes.