Giving the gift of time

OHSU volunteers make a difference in countless ways

By Kristyna Wentz-Graff April 25, 2017 Portland, Ore.

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Nicole Charpentier typically volunteers 25 hours a week, spending the majority of her time in the ICU waiting room. "I love it. It's stressful sometimes when families are going through things, but this is where I'm meant to be." (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Tom Cave chats with a colleague during his shift on the general surgery unit at OHSU, April 17, 2017. Cave has donated 275 hours, working as the "Goodnight Program Volunteer," finding ways to help patients feel more comfortable and get better rest. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Tom Cave hunts for a toothbrush and toothpast in the supply room on the general surgery unit at OHSU, April 17, 2017. Cave has donated 275 hours, working as the "Goodnight Program Volunteer," finding ways to help patients feel more comfortable and get better rest. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Heather MacDonald, R.N. pats Tom Cave on the shoulder as she passes by during Cave's shift shift on the general surgery unit at OHSU, April 17, 2017. Cave has donated 275 hours, working as the "Goodnight Program Volunteer," finding ways to help patients feel more comfortable and get better rest. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Yuni Choi volunteers about 12 hours a week, collecting data for the ADHD research study. She says her volunteer experience has been very valuable to her and helped her figure out her next career steps. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Carol Markt has been volunteering at OHSU for over 20 years. She and her cat Huck Finn are one of 20 pet assisted therapy teams working at the hospital. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Carol Markt (left) has been volunteering at OHSU for over 20 years. She and her cat Huck Finn are one of 20 pet assisted therapy teams working at the hospital. She and Huck bring a smile to patient Orick Wagner, 12, as they make their rounds, April 20, 2017. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Huck Finn settles on the bed next to Orick Wagner, 12, as Huck goes about his regular visits at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, April 20, 2017. Huck works with handler Carol Markt, who has been volunteering at OHSU for over 20 years. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Carol Markt (left) picks up Huck Finn from the bedside of Orick Wagner, 12, as Tharika Boonpha (center) looks on, April 20, 2017. Markt has been volunteering at OHSU for over 20 years. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Carol Markt has been volunteering at OHSU for over 20 years. She and her cat Huck Finn are one of 20 pet assisted therapy teams working at the hospital. She and Huck bring a smile to patient Orick Wagner, 12, as they make their rounds, April 20, 2017. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Volunteer Johnson Vo looks over a fenestrated endovascular stent graft model, used in endovascular aneurysm repairs. Vo is currently volunteering as he is in the application process for medical school, and gaining experience that he says has been "a very rewarding experience." (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU Volunteers

Volunteer Johnson Vo has also assisted with training for operation room staff that work on endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)