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After retiring from her career as a surgical nurse, Astrida Shepard joined VITAS in 2015 as a seamstress volunteer. Shepard found purpose in her new role, stating, "I really love it. It’s my ministry." Her initial doubts about the impact of her work were dispelled after receiving gratitude from a social worker who had lost his wife.
VITAS volunteers play a crucial role in end-of-life care by supporting families and caregivers with empathy and comfort. In 2021, 3,463 volunteers contributed 124,174 hours to assist over 2,000 patients.
The Memory Bear program is one such initiative where volunteers create sentimental keepsakes like bears or pillows using fabric provided by patients' families. Jennifer Brown, volunteer services manager in San Antonio, Texas, explains the significance: “For each family that receives [this] keepsake, a little part of a loved one is reincarnated into a bear.” She notes its profound impact on everyone involved.
Families can receive up to three complimentary memory bears or pillows after their loved one's passing. Last year saw the creation of 10,885 bears and pillows through this program. Volunteers often personally deliver these items to grieving families.
Shepard expressed her satisfaction with the work: "This isn’t just fun; It helps people heal." She has crafted over 2,000 bears since joining VITAS and received the 2022 VITAS BEST of the Year award for her dedication. Reflecting on her experience, she said, "Connecting with the family is so rewarding and fulfilling."
Jennifer Brown emphasizes the importance of empathy among volunteers: “Empathy requires internal perspective... My volunteers are trained to understand how patients and families feel in this same situation.”
The efforts of VITAS seamstress volunteers bring compassion to grieving families through their handcrafted creations.
