Hospice honors volunteers

Volunteers with Southeast Hospice, a service of Southeast Missouri Hospital, were recently honored for their service to the program at the hospital's annual Southeast Hospice Awards Banquet.

The Gabriel Award, the top award for hospice volunteers, went to Emma L. Sparks of Cape Girardeau for her representation of the hospice philosophy to patients, families and the community.

Sparks has been a Southeast Hospice volunteer since 1997. During this time, she has assisted patients and families, and has worked with "C.O.O.L. Camp," a special children's grief support program.

Cindie Jeter Yanow of Cape Girardeau received the Cherub Award. She was cited for her ongoing support of hospice fund-raising events and her dedication to promoting the benefits of hospice to the community. Jeter has also been involved with hospice events since 1997.

Of the 115,000 people involved in hospice care in the United States, about 95,000 are volunteers who donate more than 5 million hours each year to help terminally ill patients and their families, according to Southeast Hospice volunteer coordinator Carol Keppler.

Locally, Southeast Hospice volunteers have given 1,600 hours of service to more than 100 patients and families over the past year, Keppler said.

Volunteers also provide office support, assist with C.O.O.L. Camp, and help with numerous community activities involving Southeast Hospice. To learn more about becoming a Southeast Hospice volunteer, call 335-6208.