Jamestown Regional Medical Center recently presented Mary Trautman with its Legendary Volunteer Service Award.
"I’ve worked with Mary my whole career," said Maren Radi, JRMC Hospice coordinator. "We love her. I’m so glad we could make this happen.”
Family, friends and staff gathered outside at Eventide Jamestown to celebrate Trautman and say thank you.
“We want to celebrate Mary now versus waiting until we could reschedule the JRMC Volunteer Appreciation Banquet," said Regina Olson, JRMC volunteer and community development coordinator. "I’m so grateful to the clinical team at Eventide and JRMC for making arrangements for us to do this in person.”
The award is the highest honor given to volunteers who dedicate their time to caring for others and help JRMC fulfill its mission to exceed expectations and be the difference in the lives of those it serves.
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Trautman has a lifetime of close ties to the hospital. When she was a high school senior in 1951, she worked as a circulating aide for Dr. Joseph Sorkness, surgeon and founder of the Depuy-Sorkness clinic, later known as the Dakota Clinic. A circulating aide’s role was to create and maintain a sterile working environment in the operating room.
Trautman and her late husband, Harold, attribute Sorkness for lifesaving care of Tom and their daughter, Vickie. They were so grateful they donated $50,000 in his name, dedicating one of three operating rooms during the new hospital campaign.
Trautman’s dedication to volunteerism started as Jamestown Hospital launched its hospice program 25 years ago.
“Hospice care treats the physical aspect of terminal illness, but also the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their family,” Radi said. “Mary was a source of strength and compassion for patients, their families and nurses.”
Volunteers also provide respite care. This is time with the patient so caregivers can step away to rest or run errands and know that someone is with their loved one. Patients appreciate the friendship and someone to talk to outside of family.
“Oh, I wish I could come back. I like to help," said Trautman, sitting in the open doors of the nursing home. "It is what I do.”
To learn more about hospice care or how to volunteer, contact JRMC Home Health & Hospice at (701) 952-4847 or visit www.jrmcnd.com/hospice.
