Recently, I had the privilege of beginning my first shift as a Hope & Cope volunteer on a unit at the Jewish General Hospital.
I was greeted by Martine Gauthier, our Patient Support Coordinator who explained my role and introduced me to the team. I also met Rifka, our Palliative Care Coordinator, who introduced me to her volunteers and students.
Putting on the volunteer jacket was a meaningful moment for me. It is a visible symbol of values I have long believed in, and one I was finally able to experience firsthand.
From the outset, I was struck by the warmth and professionalism of our team. I was paired with long‑standing professionals and volunteers who carry a quiet confidence and deep compassion in the way they engage with patients. They showed me how small gestures—a conversation, a glass of water, a reassuring presence—can make a genuine difference in someone’s day.
In our work on the Board, we often speak about the importance of our mission. Being on the floor was a powerful reminder that I am, first and foremost, a volunteer—serving patients and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. This shared role is what connects us: volunteers, doctors, nurses, and, most importantly, the people we serve, who remain our inspiration.
During my shift, I was introduced to Clara Rosen, one of our most experienced volunteers. She told me she already knew me, and I initially assumed it was through Hope & Cope. She then gently pulled me aside and shared that she remembered me from more than 15 years ago, from the days when my wife, Felice of blessed memory, and I were visiting the clinic. She pointed to the chairs and said she remembered me sitting beside my wife, waiting for our turn.
I was deeply moved by Clara’s kindness and by the fact that she remembered us after so many years. It was an emotional moment, bringing back memories of a difficult time, and yet it filled me with gratitude for all those who surrounded us with such care.
Clara exemplifies the genuine compassion that lies at the heart of Hope & Cope. Even all these years later, I continue to carry the lessons I learned here and the inspiration they provide.
This is the impact of our remarkable Hope & Cope volunteers. Thank you for all that you do, for the kindness you share each day. I am truly proud to stand beside you, wearing the same jacket and sharing in this meaningful work.
You inspire us all.
Barry
Barry Pascal, Hope & Cope’s board chair, first shared this message with all of our outstanding volunteers. We thank him for letting us share it with the world.
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer? Hope & Cope is always looking for dedicated volunteers. Contact us at volunteering@hopeandcope.ca to learn more, or fill out the application form.
