Clearfield Hospital Hospice is in need of volunteers. These volunteers provide patient and family care in support in various ways, such as visiting patients, assisting with bereavement programs, helping in the hospice office or helping with fundraisers. Training is provided.

For more information, please contact Dana Wilson at 768-2012 or dwilson@clearfieldhosp.org.

Annie Lumadue, her daughter Ruby Maines and granddaughter Alicia Rowles are dedicated to helping patients of Clearfield Hospital Hospice.

The program provides personal care and support for terminally ill persons and their families in Clearfield and Centre counties, as well as parts of Jefferson, Cambria, Elk, Indiana and Blair counties.

Mrs. Lumadue, who lives in Clearfield, joined the hospice volunteer ranks in October of 1990. At the time, she was caring for a friend who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

During Mrs. Lumadue's visits to her friend's home, she became acquainted with several hospice nurses who provided care. One of those nurses urged Mrs. Lumadue to consider becoming a hospice volunteer.

The Work of a Hospice Volunteer

As a volunteer, Mrs. Lumadue visits with patients, and sometimes helps with household chores or errands.

"Some patients don't have family, or their family lives far away and can't be with them. When I visit, we talk and reminisce. They are grateful for the company, and it makes me feel good to be with them. It's just as beneficial for me as it is for them," Mrs. Lumadue said.

Mrs. Lumadue helps families by providing respite care, and assists with hospice fundraisers and memorial services.

She has touched many lives over the years, including those of Carol and Fred Kennard of Holly, Michigan. Mrs. Lumadue was assigned to help Mr. Kennard's father, Jack Kennard of Clearfield, when the elder Kennard was placed in hospice care. He was one of Mrs. Lumadue's first patients.

"Annie was a godsend, and one of the sweetest people you could want to meet. She was a lifesaver to my mother-in-law. Annie was very good about providing emotional support to our family during a difficult time," Mrs. Kennard said.

Initially, Mr. Kennard was cared for in his home. As time went by, he required more extensive care and was placed in a nursing home. Mrs. Kennard said her father-in-law was in the late stage of Alzheimer's.

"Even though he didn't recognize people, I believe he knew Annie. She always brought a smile to his face. She is a lovely person and very inspiring. I can't say enough good things about Annie and the hospice staff," Mrs. Kennard said.

Becoming a hospice volunteer was an easy transition for Mrs. Lumadue, who spent her professional career as a nurse's aide. Though she retired almost 20 years ago, she never strayed far from the health care realm.

Mrs. Lumadue also serves as a volunteer for Clearfield Hospital Administration. At 84, she shows no signs of slowing down.

"Annie is a joy. She is always willing to do whatever she is asked to do, eager to take on new jobs, and does everything cheerfully. I look forward to her coming to the office each week. She helps out so much; I don't know what I'd do without her," said Terri Polachek-Beveridge, administrative assistant in administration.

A Family Affair

Like her mother, Mrs. Maines of Woodland chose a career in the medical field. She became a registered nurse, and began working for Clearfield Hospital as a nurse in 1981. She was one of the first nurses to sign up for hospice training when Clearfield Hospital began the program in the late 1980s.

As a hospice nurse, it's her job to tend to a patient's physical and emotional needs. She educates families about the stages of dying, what they should expect, and offers emotional and spiritual support.

"My job is rewarding because I help patients and their families make the most of the time they have together. Most of all, patients want to be at home and comfortable. We do everything we can to make that happen," Mrs. Maines said.

Mrs. Maines' concern for her patients goes beyond what is required of the job. She, along with husband Burton Maines, who is also a hospice volunteer, help patients and families with errands or household tasks.

They have moved furniture and rearranged rooms to make the living space more comfortable for the patients. Mr. Maines also built parade floats for hospice to raise public awareness.

"Ruby is a strong patient advocate. She has a "we can do this" attitude, and possesses a charitable spirit. Her name and face has become synonymous with Clearfield Hospital Hospice," Joyce Wisor, hospice manager, said.

Working for Clearfield Hospital Hospice has had a profound impact on Mrs. Maines.

"I've learned to appreciate every day because life holds no guarantees. I cherish my family, friends and my faith," she said.

Following in footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Alicia Rowles, Mrs. Maines' daughter, decided she too wanted to help hospice patients. In 2000, at the age of 13, Ms. Rowles enrolled in the volunteer training course, and became the youngest hospice volunteer at Clearfield Hospital.

At first, she tagged along with her mother during her patient visits. In time, Ms. Rowles found her niche -- spending time with AIDS patients.

"Even with everything we know today, many AIDS patients are still rejected by their families and friends. Many of them are alone, and need someone to talk to … they need friends," Ms. Rowles said.

Ms. Rowles also helps at hospice's annual Chili Bowl, and shares her vocal talents during the annual memorial service. Her volunteer resume includes serving as a tutor for GED classes; as a member of Woodland and Hyde fire companies as a firefighter; and as an emergency medical technician, with basic and swift water rescue certification.

Her giving spirit has spilled over into her professional life: she cares for disabled adults as an employee of Fayette Resources.

"My family taught me the importance of kindness to others. I enjoy helping people," Ms. Rowles said.

All three women said it's always hard when a patient passes away. They find comfort and strength in their faith, and are active members of the Lake Street United Methodist Church in Woodland.

"We believe in an afterlife. That's not to say we don't miss or mourn those we've lost, but we believe in celebrating life. Even after a patient passes away, we often stay in touch with the families. We have a bond with them," Mrs. Maines said.

Dana Wilson, hospice volunteer coordinator, admires Mrs. Lumadue, Mrs. Maines and Ms. Rowles.

"They, as well as all of the hospice staff and volunteers, have touched my heart in a way I never thought possible. It has truly been an amazing experience for me to get to know and work with these wonderful, caring, giving and beautiful people. I love them all and appreciate their hard work and dedication to hospice," she said.

Being a Hospice Volunteer

Clearfield Hospital Hospice is in need of volunteers. These volunteers provide patient and family care in support in various ways, such as visiting patients, assisting with bereavement programs, helping in the hospice office or helping with fundraisers. Training is provided.

For more information, please contact Ms. Wilson at 768-2012 or e-mail dwilson@clearfieldhosp.org.