VOLUNTEER SERVICES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
and
Fostering Collaboration: How Volunteer Services Enriches the St. Jude Experience for Staff and Volunteers Through Special Project and Partnership Initiatives
Honoring Volunteers: Celebrations and Recognition
Effectively recruit, engage and retain compassionate, well-trained volunteers while continuously identifying opportunities to create programs that enhance the patient experience.
The patient and family experience is enhanced by delivering a best-in-class experience for volunteers who use their time and talents to offer innovative and high-quality programming.
1. Always recognize that advancing treatment for children with catastrophic diseases is at the center of everything we do.
2. Do what is right; take ownership of what you do.
3. Work with purpose and urgency — your efforts matter.
4. Embrace the challenge to create a new tomorrow.
5. Work collaboratively and help others to succeed.
6. Always be respectful of your coworkers, our patients and their families, and visitors to our campus.
7. Make the most of St. Jude resources and be mindful of those who provided them.
Volunteer Services and Special Events is part of the Family, Guest and Volunteer Services team, which is dedicated to enhancing the patient experience across three key areas. While this review focuses specifically on Volunteer Services and Special Events, it’s important to note that the broader Family, Guest and Volunteer Services team shares a common goal of improving patient care and support.
Patient Family-Centered Care emphasizes collaboration between health care staff and patient families, working together to meet patient needs. Concierge Services provides St. Jude families with a range of nonmedical services, such as running errands, grocery shopping and assisting with other daily tasks.
Within Volunteer Services and Special Events, our team partners with community members, employees and groups to offer activities that provide entertainment and distraction for patients, helping them take their focus off their illness. Additionally, Volunteer Services provides personal care items, treats, beverages and other amenities to support families and staff throughout their time at St. Jude.
Volunteers assisted 1,022 patients and their families.
Art Assistant volunteers help with group activities, one-on-one interactions and prepping for future programming in the Family Commons spaces, which are designed for outpatients and their families. In 2025, our volunteer support expanded to include the Studio 262 Music Space, following the addition of a new staff member dedicated to that room. While volunteers continue to focus mainly on the pop-up art and maker spaces, they now also help as needed in the music space, supporting activities and assisting staff to enhance the experience for patients and families.
2025 Art Assistant Volunteers:
Hawra Aldosh
Lola Almurisi
Eva Antony
Ben Armstrong
Faith Askew
Lindsey Barnes
Rita Bell
Mary Bertus
Bella Bodini
Kathy Bunker
Sheila Carro
Jana Chao
Ethan Cheng
Emalie Christensen
Lizzy Cronin
Cassandra Dean
Mary Driscoll
Karrie Evans
Seiko Hagiwara
Deena Holsinger
Katherine Howell
Abbie Hunt
Suzan Hyatt
Elva Jenkins
Thelma Lee
Valinsia Mays
Glen McDonald
Ta’niya Moore
Justice Nana Opoku
Clara Park
Maitree Patel
Jay Prajapati
Calliope Reeves
Mary Shiloh
Sasha Steinberg
James Stucker
Becky Suhoza
Cathy Swain
Debby Thompson
Caroline Wilder
Gayle Woloshin
Victoria Wood
Qi Zhou
Volunteers distributed 7,067 hot drinks.
Beverage Cart volunteers offer patients, families and St. Jude staff hot chocolate and coffee each evening on inpatient units and in the Infusion Center.
2025 Beverage Cart Volunteers:
Faith Askew
Lucas Delfini
Amy Goldkin
Juliea Goodman
Aryaman Jaiswal
Davis Leonard
Kim Louis
Anisha Manoharan
Emma McHale
Tim Moore
Hamza Osman
Pamela Porter
Walid Rassoul
Lila Saunders
Suzanne Sorrentino
Alleen Veth
Hong Vo
Michelle Zeip
Rick Zeip
Volunteers assisted over 3,757 patients, siblings and caregivers.
Child Life Playroom volunteers assist Child Life Specialists with play and recreational activities, providing distraction and comfort for patients and their siblings.
2025 Child Life Playroom Volunteer Program Volunteers:
Aidan Bryant
D’Erica Burns
Pat Canale
Naisha Chowdhury
Ella Collier
Larry Davis
Lori Freno
Janet Gatewood
Judy Godfrey
Seiko Hagiwara
Kiara Harper
Keith Holsinger
Jessica Lee
Holden McBerty
Mckenzie McDermott
Gregg Morris
Naomi Nagahama
Shakshi Patel
Tabria Pickens
Lila Saunders
Becky Schaffer
Mary Shiloh
Ramsey Stephenson
Terry Trojan
Emily Ulmer
Abby Utley
Alleen Veth
Alberta Woodley
Aly Wolf
The dog teams had 744 outpatient visits and 485 inpatient visits, totaling 1,229 volunteer dog interactions with patients.
Doggy Daze volunteer teams help relieve stress by providing a break between treatments. While hospitalized, patients are separated from their pets at home. This program gives St. Jude patients a comforting, family-like experience that helps make treatment a little easier.
2025 Doggy Daze Handler and Dog Volunteers:
Alexa Bobelis & Coco
Lisa Marie David & Bailey
Jo Fusco & Keys
Bill Levy & Marshall
Jennifer Maw & Junie B
Brittany Washington & Jax
Bill Wooten & Bandit
2025 Doggy Daze Assistant Volunteers:
Wendy Clayton
Shells Connor
Larry Davis
Mary Driscoll
Jack Hunter
Suzanne Newman
Michael O’Brien
Rick Schultz
Carolyn Steiner
Norman Wilkes
The ESL Tutor devoted 99 hours tutoring St. Jude Postdoctoral students.
The ESL Tutor volunteer assists St. Jude postdocs who want to improve their English language skills through one-on-one virtual tutoring sessions. Jane helps her students gain confidence in speaking, reading and writing, facilitating their adjustment to a culture vastly different from their homelands.
Greeter volunteers welcomed 18,858 patients, family members, staff and visitors as they entered and exited the Patient Care Center lobby.
Based on family feedback requesting more support at the Patient Care Center lobby entrance, the Greeter Volunteer Pilot Program launched in December 2025. Among the first friendly faces families see, greeter volunteers play a significant role in welcoming families to campus, assisting with doors and providing directions to ensure a smooth arrival. The pilot will run for six months, with the possibility of extension based on its success.
Kathy Bunker
Ray Bunker
Wendy Clayton
Mike Cook
Jef Feibelman
David “Paw” Fisher
Jane Hunter
Michael O’Brien
Derek Pass
Sasha Steinberg
Bob Stewart
Rick Zeip
The Happy Cart volunteers interacted with 4,359 patients, siblings and caregivers. Happy Cart volunteers provide fun and distraction by offering goodies like small toys, games, coloring toys and personal care items to St. Jude patients and families.
2025 Happy Cart Volunteers:
Ahmad Aref
Ben Armstrong
Bryan Budchangan
Sophia Burke
Erica Carpenter
Kate Collier
Cynthia De Ochoa
Madison Faulkner
Lilia Fernatt
Yan Gao
Kylie James
Hira Janjua
Jimmy Laguerre
Thelma Lee
Toya Lee
Catherine Lock
Bob Monroe
Martha Monroe
Tim Moore
Raeganne Murdock
Lyndsay Napier
Paxton Nimrod
Shalmali Pendse
Kathy Poe
Jennifer Sanchez
Rick Schultz
Danielle Singleton
Rohan Somji
Gayatri Tupkar
Walker Upshaw
Hanah Walker
Ellie Weekley
Morgan Whitlow
Rick Zeip
Helping Hands volunteers provided for 2,125 patients and 676 siblings. Volunteers interacted with 1,798 caregivers and delivered 649 supplies to families.
Happy Cart volunteers provide fun and distraction by offering goodies like small toys, games, coloring toys and personal care items to St. Jude patients and families.
2025 Helping Hands Volunteers:
Dania Aljafari
Leslie Brickey
Aidan Bryant
D’Erica Burns
Ken Carlton
Naisha Chowdhury
Shells Connor
Valerie Cox
Silvia Cubillos
Larry Davis
Gail Driscoll
Mary Driscoll
Jef Feibelman
David “Paw” Fisher
Detra Gaines
Judy Godfrey
Kiara Harper
Pat Hilliard
Keith Holsinger
Shunta Howard
Paul Hughes
Tracy Kelly
Gayatri Mamidanna
Holden McBerty
Nathan McSpadden
Gregg Morris
Michael O’Brien
Molly Oster
Derek Pass
Shakshi Patel
Cindy Pendergrast
John Prevost
Randa Rosenblum
Sophie Rothstein
Lila Saunders
Becky Schaffer
Natalia Silva Morosini
Terry Snider
Florence Spelzhausen
Carolyn Steiner
Ramsey Stephenson
Smrithi Sugumaran Menon
Melissa Taylor
Terry Trojan
Emily Ulmer
Daioosha Williams
Aly Wolf
Combined, Imagine Academy volunteers worked with a total of 1,757 students.
Classroom Helper volunteers assist School Program staff with take-home material preparation and other classroom needs to enhance student instruction.
Chess Club volunteers
Chess Club volunteers assist with the weekly Chess Club extracurricular activity. They provide instruction for new learners and interact with all players.
Explore Lab
Explore Lab volunteers enrich the classroom experience by facilitating or assisting with exploratory Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning activities, or labs, designed to help patients continue their education.
R.E.A.D. volunteers
The Imagine Academy Reading Education Assistance Dogs (trademark here!) (R.E.A.D.) Program provides support with emotional and social benefits. With help from School Reading Therapy Dogs, patients can explore their interest in reading and improve their reading skills.
2025 Imagine Academy Volunteers:
Hannia Antunez
Brenda Bracken
Ray Bunker
Amy Chatham & Otis
Wendy Clayton
Marla Cole
Lilia Fernatt
Jida Khansa
Jennifer Maw & Junie B.
Maitree Patel
Becky Schaffer
Cathy Swain
Debb Taylor & Bliss, Cheers, Flair, Jinx, Rain, Ribbon, Rowdy & Storm
Beverly Trojan
Terry Trojan
Volunteers assisted 75 families and made 2,708 snack bags.
Kay Kafe Companion volunteers support Food Services and enhance the patient experience by assisting families during lunch inside Kay Kafe—the hospital cafeteria—and assembling kid-friendly snack bags.
2025 Kay Kafe Companion Volunteers:
Jane Hunter
Todd Pierce
The Ready Runner volunteer walked the equivalent of 563 miles. Ready Runner volunteers collect dirty wagons and wheelchairs, replacing them with clean ones for patient families to use.
2025 Ready Runner Volunteer: Kenny Perry
ELM volunteers served the Eucharist to 650 patients and family members.
St. Jude Eucharistic Lay Minister volunteers assist Spiritual Care Services in providing Eucharistic needs to Catholic patients and families in both inpatient units daily and inside the Sacred Space to outpatient families each Wednesday.
2025 Eucharistic Lay Minister Volunteers: Ernie Albonetti
Michael Hans
Jack Hunter
Libba Nance
Bob Stewart
Elise Woodmansee
The Treat Trolley served 5,485 treats to patients, families and staff.
Treat Trolley volunteers offer patients, families and staff special, unexpected treats free of charge to help boost family and employee morale in both inpatient and outpatient areas. Inpatient evening rounding continued to expand to reach more clinical staff.
2025 Treat Trolley Volunteer:
Mike Cook
The Patient Special Event Program, led by Volunteer Services and supported by its multidisciplinary committee, provides employees and volunteers from both ALSAC and St. Jude the opportunity to host one-time special events for patients. These activities offer fun and uplifting entertainment, serving as a positive distraction that helps normalize the experience for patients and families during treatment.
Events are held in the Event Center on the Family Commons Floor, taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. In 2025, the program focused on creating even more engaging, meaningful and enjoyable experiences, bringing moments of joy, creativity and connection to families. Feedback from patients and caregivers has been overwhelmingly positive. Volunteers contributed 775 hours across 43 activities, delivering thoughtfully designed, fun-filled events that left a lasting and memorable impact on patients and their loved ones.
In 2025, seven departments requested 82 volunteers to assist with nine events/experiences, totaling 398 hours
The One-time Volunteer Request Program allows any St. Jude staff member to request volunteer assistance for a specific need or event. Whenever extra hands are required, staff should consider submitting a volunteer request. Appropriate one-time volunteer requests include tasks such as preparing, setting up, implementing, assisting with or cleaning up after an employee or patient event. Volunteers can help with preparing materials for seminars or conferences or fulfilling other one-day clerical assignments. Additionally, one-time volunteer requests can involve projects that require specific skills, such as foreign language proficiency or artistic talent. These requests should focus on projects that directly impact or improve the patient and family experience, ensuring they align with the core mission of the program.
• Teen Formal Alteration and Fitting Helpers (Patient Experience)
• Assistance during play while their sibling was participating in the SKITS2 research study in May and August (Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences)
• SPARK Camp (Spiritual Care Services)
• Christmas in July/St. Jude STEMM Teen Program (Materials Management, Liaison Office and STEMM Education and Outreach)
• Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month (Liaison Office)
• Halloween (Liaison Office)
• High School Research Immersion Program (STEMM Education and Outreach)
• Snow Much Fun! (Spiritual Care Services)
• Christmas Shop Assistance on Inpatient Units (Liaison Office and Child Life)
In 2025, the following areas borrowed the Treat Trolley to celebrate their teams or programs. The Treat Trolley program is designed to show appreciation for hospital staff and provide a welcoming treat to brighten the day for families. It offers an ever-changing variety of treats, including cold options on hot summer days, and rounds to all clinical and inpatient areas on a varied schedule. The Treat Trolley can be loaned to other departments, allowing them to share in the program’s positive impact by offering these thoughtful refreshments to their teams, or patients and families.
• Concierge Services
• Department of Dentistry
• Patient Family-Centered Care
• Additionally, Volunteer Services celebrated National Nurses Month in May, with the Treat Trolley rounding to both inpatient and outpatient areas and offices to distribute treats to nursing staff.
Effective November 1, the Child Life Playroom and Helping Hands Respite Care volunteer roles were combined into a single, unified Helping Hands position. All volunteers have been retrained under this new structure to streamline training and support, strengthen communication and ensure a more consistent experience for patients and families as St. Jude prepares for increased volunteer needs with the opening of the new clinical building in early 2027.
Collaboration with Child Life staff remains central to the program’s success. Their expertise is essential for guiding volunteers with patient-specific needs and maintaining high standards of care. Volunteer Services continues to manage recruitment, training and day-to-day support, while Child Life staff work closely with volunteers to ensure optimal outcomes for families, while serving as direct volunteer supervisors in outpatient areas as needed.
In the new year, a comprehensive communication plan will be implemented to inform all clinical staff about the unified Helping Hands program and its role in supporting patients and families. The program will continue under the Helping Hands name, which is recognized and trusted throughout the hospital community.
• All placement descriptions, training manuals and related materials have been reviewed, updated, standardized and streamlined to prepare for future growth. These improvements ensure consistency and readiness as we expand our volunteer programming.
• Volunteer Services staff attended the first in-person volunteer recruitment event since the pandemic at the University of Memphis.
Volunteer Services partnered with the Cultural Navigator team, which reports to the Office of Social Work, and the St. Jude Legal Services office to create the Cultural Navigator Volunteer Pilot. The pilot program was designed to support international and limited English proficient families at St. Jude by pairing community volunteers with Cultural Navigators to assist families in adjusting to cultural and health care differences. The pilot focused on recruiting local Arabic and Spanish speakers.
After careful consideration, the pilot was discontinued due to significant challenges in volunteer recruitment. While the program addresses an important need, Volunteer Services recognizes its value and potential. The concept may be revisited in the future if circumstances become more favorable for implementation, with the goal of effectively supporting families through meaningful cultural and linguistic assistance.
In late summer 2025, Volunteer Services was approached by Campus Operations and the Patient Experience Office with the idea for a Greeter Volunteer Pilot Program to enhance support at the Patient Care Center (PCC) lobby entrance. The pilot was quickly planned and executed, with the outline presented at a Patient Family Advisory Council meeting to gather family input and feedback before launching in December.
Greeter volunteers now serve as the first point of contact for families, staff and visitors in the PCC lobby, welcoming everyone, assisting with doors and providing directions to ensure smooth arrival. The pilot is scheduled to run for six months, with the possibility of extension based on its success.
Fostering Collaboration: How Volunteer Services Enriches the St. Jude Experience for Staff and Volunteers Through Special Project and Partnership Initiatives
Volunteer Services partnered with the Office of Strategic Innovation and Design and the Patient Experience Office to support a pilot project inspired by Teen Blue Sky (TBS) student proposals. During the summer of 2024, Imagine Academy students presented ideas aimed at improving the patient and family experience, including suggestions to enhance the surgical waiting environment. One proposal emphasized that “a happy parent is a happy patient,” highlighting the importance of caregiver comfort. Building on this concept, the pilot coffee cart was designed to provide easily accessible refreshments for families in the surgical waiting area.
Volunteer Services played a key role in coordinating the pilot, assisting with daily operations, stocking and supporting families as they engaged with the coffee cart. The two-week prototype allowed the team to assess interest, track volume of refreshments distributed, gather feedback on family experience and identify logistical considerations for sustaining the service. This collaboration not only enabled the departments to test a new, creative idea inspired by students but also demonstrated how volunteers can support innovative, patient-centered initiatives while contributing to meaningful improvements in the hospital experience.
Volunteer Services partnered with program leaders from STEMM Education and Outreach to provide meaningful patient and family engagement opportunities for high school students selected for the St. Jude Research Immersion Program. Events were offered throughout the summer, allowing students to work in small groups alongside volunteer hosts and staff to support patient-centered activities. The events provided hands-on experience in the hospital environment while ensuring meaningful interaction with patients and families.
These opportunities reflect the hospital’s commitment to offering structured summer experiences for high school students, now that the institution directly employs student interns. Students received orientation for the activities and guidance on working with patients and families, providing both educational exposure and practical experience in patient engagement. By partnering with Volunteer Services and experienced staff, the program ensured students could contribute safely and meaningfully, reinforcing the St. Jude mission while cultivating the next generation of health care leaders.
In July 2025, St. Jude hosted its inaugural Christmas in July event, giving patients and their families the opportunity to select toys in the Danny Thomas Research Center (DTRC). The event was made possible through a partnership between Volunteer Services and the St. Jude Liaison Office. Building on years supporting the former St. Jude Auxiliary Club’s annual unused donation items sale, the team coordinated volunteers, including 52 high school students from the Research Immersion Program, to create a festive, engaging experience that brought joy to patients and siblings. The DTRC atrium was transformed into a holiday wonderland with decorated trees, age-labeled toys and themed décor, creating a sense of community and delight.
Volunteer Services led the coordination of the volunteer experience, ensuring employees and hospital volunteers were integrated into the event to maximize impact. The initiative reflected the St. Jude commitment to making the most of resources while honoring those who provide them. Volunteers greeted families, guided patients through the toy selection and created meaningful interactions, demonstrating teamwork and dedication. The event not only helped manage inventory of donated toys but also created memorable moments for patients and families, with organizers and volunteers expressing hope that Christmas in July becomes a cherished annual tradition.
The Volunteer Services team developed a new “St. Jude Menu for Engagement” to address requests from both internal and external communities for accessible ways to get involved. Recognizing the need for short-term volunteer and engagement opportunities for employees, interns and students, the team compiled a comprehensive list of options that highlight opportunities across the institution and within the broader Memphis community.
Hospital-based volunteer programs continue to require longer-term commitments due to institutional needs, staff capacity, training requirements and legal considerations. The menu provides an easy-tonavigate resource for those seeking flexible ways to contribute while ensuring compliance with these requirements. Departments across St. Jude and ALSAC were invited to share opportunities, allowing the menu to include both internal programs and community-based activities. This initiative helps staff and students connect with the St. Jude mission and also strengthens collaboration across departments and with the community, making engagement more accessible and meaningful.
The Volunteer Services team developed a new “St. Jude Menu for Engagement” to address requests from both internal and external communities for accessible ways to get involved. Recognizing the need for short-term volunteer and engagement opportunities for employees, interns and students, the team compiled a comprehensive list of options that highlight opportunities across the institution and within the broader Memphis community.
Hospital-based volunteer programs continue to require longer-term commitments due to institutional needs, staff capacity, training requirements and legal considerations. The menu provides an easy-tonavigate resource for those seeking flexible ways to contribute while ensuring compliance with these requirements. Departments across St. Jude and ALSAC were invited to share opportunities, allowing the menu to include both internal programs and community-based activities. This initiative helps staff and students connect with the St. Jude mission and also strengthens collaboration across departments and with the community, making engagement more accessible and meaningful.
Throughout the year, the Volunteer Services team collaborated closely with staff from St. Jude Housing to ensure seamless operations and provide comprehensive support for volunteer and event programming for patients on campus and in housing. The partnership includes assisting with background checks to ensure all volunteers and staff meet safety and compliance requirements. The team also supports Occupational Health (OH) processes by facilitating screening and documentation for volunteers serving in housing-related roles.
In addition to these ongoing efforts, Volunteer Services has worked hand-in-hand with St. Jude Housing staff on VSys, the volunteer management system, to streamline volunteer scheduling, tracking and communication. This continued partnership strengthens a shared commitment to delivering excellent customer service, ensuring patient families’ experience at St. Jude is as comfortable, supportive and consistent as possible across all areas of campus and housing.
In 2025, St. Jude volunteers generously donated blood and blood products to support the St. Jude Blood Donor Center, helping to ensure a steady supply for patients in need. Their contributions were invaluable, with a total of seven volunteers participating in this lifesaving initiative. Collectively, these volunteers dedicated 54 hours to the donation process, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting the hospital’s mission and the health of our patients.
Thank you to these volunteers who donated in 2025:
Faith Askew
Larry Davis
David “Paw” Fisher
Lori Freno
Kim Louis
Molly Oster
Terry Snider
Throughout the year, Volunteer Services Program Coordinator Mo Guinn visited The Domino’s Village to host “VEX Robotics with Mo.” This event provides patients and families with hands-on STEM and Robotics experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving and teamwork while exploring various robots. Through guided builds and interactive challenges, participants explore basic engineering and coding concepts in a fun, supportive environment. These sessions not only spark curiosity and confidence but also offer a meaningful sense of normalcy, engagement and joy during extended stays.
The Volunteer Services team coordinated the Halloween photo booth once again this year, delighting staff, volunteers and visitors with a festive pumpkin patch theme. With the help of volunteer Mary Driscoll—dressed as the “Fairy Godmother”—the booth featured a playful “Care Crow” of St. Jude President and CEO James R. Downing, MD, which added humor and creativity to the experience. The team coordinated decorations, set-up and volunteer support, creating a fun, engaging activity that helped make Halloween memories for families.
“The Silliest Show on SJ Live with Debs and Mar”
The Child Life Program partnered with Volunteer Services to produce an engaging episode for SJ Live, the hospital’s internal broadcast network. Volunteer Services Program Coordinator Debbie Garrett and volunteer Mary Driscoll created a series of lighthearted segments featuring jokes, fun stories and simple crafts designed to bring joy and entertainment to patients and families.
Staff supervisors play a vital role in ensuring the success of volunteer programs. Their dedication, guidance and leadership have a significant impact on volunteers’ experience and on the overall effectiveness of the Family, Guest and Volunteer Services department. The department is grateful for their hard work and commitment. The list below recognizes staff members who supervise volunteers and acknowledges their ongoing support and efforts.
Art Assistant Supervisors:
Amie Plumley, Sarah Camp, Jack Vant and Sean Winfrey
Child Life Playroom/Helping Hands Supervisors:
Mira Ehrhardt and Amy Scott
Imagine Academy Supervisors:
Matt Lattner, Brent Michael, Randy Thompson and Elizabeth Wilson
Eucharistic Lay Ministry Supervisor:
Tekeima Townsend-Billups
Volunteer Services hosted two lunch-and-learn sessions for volunteer supervisors. These sessions focused on strategies to reengage volunteers whose participation had declined, shared best practices for recognizing and appreciating volunteer contributions and provided guidance on effectively using the volunteer management software. Additionally, the sessions served as a forum for departmental updates and ongoing support. Notably, the “Supervisor Shout-Out” feature in the Volunteer Alert newsletter originated from an open discussion during one of these sessions.
At St. Jude, volunteers are recognized in a variety of ways, highlighting their dedication, impact and efforts to both staff and the broader community.
National Volunteer Month, observed each April in the United States, is dedicated to honoring volunteers and encouraging ongoing service. In April, St. Jude recognized the heart of the organization—its dedicated volunteers—through a month of gratitude and celebration. Activities included social media highlights; thank-you posters created by staff and banners displayed across campus. The month culminated with a Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Memphis Zoo, themed “Wild About St. Jude Volunteers,” where attendees enjoyed an evening of community, fun and recognition.
Special Edition Alert: April Appreciation 2025
Photos from the appreciation event and others from April recognition efforts are available here:
In 2025, volunteer recognition remained a year-round priority, with efforts focused on celebrating the individuals who give their time, energy and compassion to the St. Jude mission. In addition to the annual appreciation event, several new initiatives were introduced to deepen connection and refresh celebrations.
Two, three and four-year service pins were introduced to honor volunteers reaching these important milestones. Previously, the pin program recognized the initial eight-month commitment and then did not resume until the five-year mark, followed by every subsequent five years. Adding these early-stage milestones allowed for meaningful recognition of volunteers’ dedication during their early years of service.
Volunteers also received St. Jude calendars, offering a practical gift and a daily reminder of the impact of their contributions. During the holiday season, a festive table of sweet treats was set up in the Volunteer Services office to create a warm and celebratory atmosphere.
Personalized volunteer ornaments continued to be added to the holiday tree, building a growing display of memories that reflect the heart and history of the department.
These initiatives, along with other recognition efforts throughout the year, ensured volunteers felt valued and appreciated every step of the way.
Milestone Celebrations 2025
0 - 2 years
Hawra Aldosh
Dua Ali
Dania Aljafari
Lola Almurisi
Eva Antony
Hannia Antunez
Ahmad Aref
Ben Armstrong
Faith Askew
Lindsey Barnes
Rita Bell
Alexa Bobelis
Bella Bodini
Brenda Bracken
Leslie Brickey
Aidan Bryant
Kathy Bunker
Ray Bunker
Sophia Burke
D’Erica Burns
Ken Carlton
Erica Carpenter
Sheila Carro
Jana Chao
Ethan Cheng
Naisha Chowdhury
Emalie Christensen
Marla Cole
Kate Collier
Ella Collier
Shells Connor
Sharon Crawford
Lizzy Cronin
Cassandra Dean
Lucas Delfini
Gail Driscoll
Jef Feibelman
Lilia Fernatt
Lori Freno
Detra Gaines
Judy Godfrey
Amy Goldkin
Kiara Harper
Pat Hilliard
Keith Holsinger
Deena Holsinger
Shunta Howard
Katherine Howell
Paul Hughes
Abbie Hunt
Jack Hunter
Suzan Hyatt
Aryaman Jaiswal
Kylie James
Hira Janjua
Elva Jenkins
Jida Khansa
Erika Kim
Jimmy Laguerre
Toya Lee
Jessica Lee
Davis Leonard
Catherine Lock
Gayatri Mamidanna
Anisha Manoharan
Jennifer Maw
Valinsia Mays
Holden McBerty
Mckenzie McDermott
Glen McDonald
Emma McHale
Nathan McSpadden
Tim Moore
Ta’niya Moore
Raeganne Murdock
Naomi Nagahama
Justice Nana Opoku
Lyndsay Napier
Paxton Nimrod
Michael O’Brien
Hamza Osman
Clara Park
Shakshi Patel
Maitree Patel
Shalmali Pendse
Kenny Perry
Tabria Pickens
Kathy Poe
Pamela Porter
Jay Prajapati
John Prevost
Walid Rassoul
Calliope Reeves
Sophie Rothstein
Jennifer Sanchez
Lila Saunders
Becky Schaffer
Rick Schultz
Mary Shiloh
Natalia Silva Morosini
Danielle Singleton
Terry Snider
Rohan Somji
Florence Spelzhausen
Sasha Steinberg
Carolyn Steiner
Ramsey Stephenson
James Stucker
Smrithi Sugumaran
Menon
Becky Suhoza
Melissa Taylor
Debby Thompson
Walker Upshaw
Abby Utley
Alleen Veth
Hong Vo
Hanah Walker
Brittany Washington
Ellie Weekley
Morgan Whitlow
Caroline Wilder
Daioosha Williams
Aly Wolf
Gayle Woloshin
Victoria Wood
Alberta Woodley
Elise Woodmansee
Bill Wooten
Michelle Zeip
Rick Zeip
Qi Zhou
3 - 5 years
Bryan Budchangan
Amy Chatham
Madison Faulkner
Seiko Hagiwara
Thelma Lee
Bob Monroe
Martha Monroe
Suzanne Sorrentino
Terry Trojan
Gayatri Tupkar
Emily Ulmer
6 - 9 years
Mike Cook
Silvia Cubillos
Larry Davis
Cynthia De Ochoa
Karrie Evans
Tracy Kelly
Gregg Morris
Molly Oster
Derek Pass
Cindy Pendergrast
Todd Pierce
10 - 14 years
Valerie Cox
Lisa Marie David
Mary Driscoll
David “Paw” Fisher
Jane Hunter
Bill Levy
Libba Nance
Suzanne Newman
Jane Vogel
Norman Wilkes
15 - 19 years
Pat Canale
Janet Gatewood
Kim Louis
Randa Rosenblum
Bob Stewart
Cathy Swain
Debb Taylor
Beverly Trojan
20 + years
Ernie Albonetti
Jo Fusco
Michael Hans
The purpose of the Lifetime Membership status is to honor volunteers for years of loyal service to St. Jude. It allows volunteers who have given at least five years or 1,000 hours of service to the hospital to continue to be connected without the requirement of a commitment to a weekly shift.
Roletta Ammons
Dena Bangma
Rebecca Beaulieu
BJ Bendixson
Carole Blackburn
Jenny Bledsoe
Pat Boysen
John Brown
Phyllis Brown
Vicki Brown
Kelly Caudle
Maria Chandler
Christopher Clark
Andrea Cleveland
Luella Coleman
Jay Colley
Kim Deneka
Carole Dimaso
Patty Donnelly
Carole Dugan
Jo Epstein
Johnnie Mae Evans
Maggie Evans-Galea
Marilyn Fleming
Mimi Gibson
Donna Griffin
Aubrey Guy
Pam Hill
Lisa Houston
Laura Howard
Jack Ingram
Ashley Interiano
Robin Litten
Susan Lugar
Jeni McBride
Lia McKay
Patsy Moretta
Gale Mueller
Donna Mulhern
Christy Mullikin
Monika Natarajan
Ginger Newsom
Eva O’Beirne
Elvia Olivas
Lori Pearson
Leota Pye
Jenny Reddick
Ernie Restivo
Sandy Rhodehamel
Lotty Richards
Debbie Richerson
Sue Rogers
Gerald Rossi
Rebecca Rupff
Kristen Ryan
Shankar Sadasivan
Jacqueline Savoy
Dolores Seelig
Swetha Shankar
Anne Shaw
Patty Shelton
Greer Simonton
Hailey Skonhovd Ross
Rog Sphar III
Patty Stephens
Heidi Stokke
Alan Strain
Tony Svarczkopf
Shannon ThomasLohrman
Penny Tramontozzi
David Tuttle
Mary Claire Watts
Laurie Webby
Joan Rita Williams
Melissa Wooten
We honor the volunteers who passed away in 2025. These volunteers contributed so much to our volunteer family and to the St. Jude mission. Their legacy will live on through our memories.
Betty Anderson
Tom Ewart
Debby Follis
Don Griffith
Bill Wooten
The department proudly celebrates Kathryn Berry Carter, program director of Family, Guest and Volunteer Services, for 25 years of leadership and dedication. Her vision has shaped the evolution of the department by expanding volunteer services, strengthening Patient Family-Centered Care initiatives and fostering a culture of excellence that continues to elevate the patient family and volunteer experience at St. Jude.
The department also honors Leah Brooks, senior administrative specialist, who has reached 20 years of devoted service. Brooks’ steady support, deep institutional knowledge and commitment to volunteers and the team have been essential to the department’s success. Her contributions ensure smooth operations and help create a welcoming, supportive environment for all who serve.
• Tricia Spence, Volunteer Services program manager, was featured as a panelist on a Beryl Institute “Connection Call,” contributing to the discussion on Strategic Planning for Volunteer Services.
• Tricia Spence delivered a concurrent session at the Society of Healthcare Volunteer Leaders (SHVL) Conference in New Orleans titled “Innovative Communication Strategies for Volunteer Services.”
• Debbie Garrett presented “Leveraging Metrics to Demonstrate Volunteer Impact” to volunteer and patient experience leaders at the 2025 Elevate PX Conference, hosted by The Beryl Institute, and subsequently provided an invited encore webinar.
• Debbie Garrett was selected to participate as a panelist for Schwartz Rounds on the theme “Moments of Exquisite Compassion.”
Additionally, the Volunteer Services staff:
• Shared best practices with volunteer services leaders from other health care institutions, including AdventHealth Palm Coast and NYU Langone Health’s Department of Integrative Health in New York City.
• Helped host a team of Patient Experience and Patient Family-Centered Care colleagues from St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
• Presented volunteer programming methods to a delegation of volunteer management leaders from Long Hollow Church.
• Attended the Tennessee Non-Profit Conference in Nashville.
• Participated in Best Upon Request’s Relaunch and Celebration Week.
• Tricia Spence served on the Volunteer Management Council for The Beryl Institute in 2025.
• Debbie Garrett was featured in the St. Jude Women and Allies Resource Group (WARG) Inclusion Lab poster session, part of the March 4 event, “Unstoppable: Celebrating Women’s Journeys,” displayed in the Inspiration4 Advanced Research Center lobby.
• Volunteer Services staff maintain active membership in professional organizations including The Society of Healthcare Volunteer Leaders, The Beryl Institute, the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, and the Society for Healthcare Volunteer Leaders.
Service on the following Internal St. Jude Committees:
• Chair of Patient Special Events Committee
• Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month
• Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Steering Council
• Halloween Committee
• Inclusive Experiences Committee Meetings
• St. Jude Donations Committee
• Toy Distribution
• TOAST Committee
• Workday Champions
From the Volunteer Services and Special Events team, thank you for an incredible year. Your time, heart, and dedication make a meaningful difference every day, and we’re grateful to work alongside such an amazing community as we look ahead to what’s next.
