National Volunteer Month: Chris' Story

Chris’ commitment to volunteerism at Hospice of the Western Reserve stems from a personal experience with loss and a long history of service. A retired firefighter/medic with 30 years of experience, Chris’ volunteer journey began after a close friend, a police officer, faced a difficult end-of-life experience. Having spent time with her partner in hospice, Chris witnessed the emotional and physical challenges of this process, which left her with one thought: “This cannot happen again.” Determined to make a difference, Chris reached out to HWR and began volunteering, finding it to be the perfect fit.

Growing up with social workers as parents, Chris developed a strong sense of empathy—especially from her father. This background has played a crucial role in her ability to navigate the delicate moments of end-of-life care. “People often ask how I deal with death so often,” Chris shares. “I tell them, this is my way of helping people die on their own terms. I’ll help anyone do that.”

Her work often involves simple but profound acts of connection. One deeply moving experience involved a Vietnam War veteran who had declined being pinned in a ceremony. Chris took the time to thank him for his service, and in doing so, he began to share his story, opening up in a way he hadn’t before. As she was talking to him, Chris noticed a veteran across the hall who seemed unsettled. Sensing that he might be struggling, she decided to sit with him for a while. Just by being there, listening, and allowing him to talk at his own pace, she helped him find a sense of peace. “You can just be a friend, in a room, with someone who may not have anyone,” she reflects. “Taking the time to listen and share makes all the difference. Being there, just being present, means so much. Sometimes, it’s all someone needs to feel heard and less alone.”

Chris’ time with HWR has not only been about giving—she often feels she gains just as much in return. “My shoulders drop when I walk in the door; this is where I should be.” Her quiet strength and dedication to others show how much the small, personal moments can matter in hospice care. It’s clear that Chris has found a calling, one rooted in empathy, service, and the belief that every life deserves a compassionate, dignified end.