Honors volunteers at a health care provider or other health-related organization who are considered exemplary by people within those organizations.
TERRY BLACKBURN
Title: Veterans Hospice Volunteer
Organization: Amedisys Hospice
What a nominator said: “Terry is a veterans hospice volunteer for Amedisys Hospice. Terry was a Naval Corpsman in Vietnam and was attached to Marines to provide health care in the field and was later assigned to a hospital ship. After the war, Terry served as a nurse anesthetist for over 30 years. Currently, he dedicates his time to Veterans who are under hospice care. As an example of his dedication, Terry recently dedicated time on a Sunday to allow a veteran’s spouse to spend time at church and lunch with friends, something she hadn’t done in a long time. Terry was happy to spend time with this client while his wife was able to have some important time at church and with friends.”
– Bess Blackburn, hospice liaison, Amedisys Hospice
DOT GRIME
Title: Volunteer
Organization: Novant Health NHRMC
What a nominator said: “Dot has more than 7,000 hours of volunteer service with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and has been volunteering since October 2003 - 20 years! Dot volunteers at the Novant Health New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital as an ambassador, welcoming patients and visitors, answering questions, and ensuring they get to the right place. Dot also loves to participate in special projects like helping with simulation labs for nursing staff and volunteering at the COVID Vaccine Clinics ….
“Dot has always had a passion for healthcare. After getting her RN license at the age of 50, Dot’s career was cut short by an accident caused by a drunk driver, but it never broke her spirit and passion for nursing. She brings joy and a lively sense of humor with her everywhere she goes and is beloved by staff, patients and visitors.
“Outside of her volunteer work with Novant Health, Dot also volunteered for 24 years with New Hanover County and just retired last month from her post on the Community Advisory Board for NHC Nursing Homes after 24 years. … At 87 years old, Dot still stands to greet every person that walks into the Orthopedic Hospital, making everyone she comes in contact with feel special.”
– Erin Barajas, director of patient services, Novant Health NHRMC
DAVE PEARCE
Title: Volunteer
Organization: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
What a nominator said: “Dave Pearce has been a loyal and influential Brunswick County volunteer for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for over 15 years, serving in a variety of ways. First and foremost, he has been a strong advocate for our Volunteer Department, providing leadership, support, and encouragement to build an effective team of volunteers to meet the various needs of our hospice patients and families. Dave has also served on our agency’s Board of Directors and Board of Trustees for several years …
“A donor and event sponsor himself for all these years, Dave is tenacious when it comes to advocating for the financial support of our agency. He was more than instrumental in securing community funding for our beautiful inpatient care center in Brunswick County …
“One perfect example of Dave’s relentless willingness to find possibilities in spite of obstacles happened during COVID … Dave (and his neighbor) stepped forward with a monumental contribution. Using 3D printers, they created and donated over 400 plastic face-shields…and not just for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, but also for first responders in both Brunswick and New Hanover counties.”
– Jason Clamme, director of community engagement, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
