A HealthBeat Special Series

SeekingVolunteer Spirit

They share time, joy and talents. They help visitors find their way along unfamiliar hallways, sooth newborn babies, and offer cheer to diffuse worries. We salute our more than 2,300 volunteers with this special Health Beat series.

Health Beat Special Series
Patient Story

Dogs and ice cream? Yes, please

Four-legged volunteers coax smiles, and a chill treat, at the children's hospital.

Patient Story

A ‘stinky’ ferret, an owl, and a tarantula roll into a hospital …

... and thrill children and their parents alike.

Zoo critters brighten day for kids in hospital

John Ball Zoo animals bring smiles to children at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

Five decades and counting

Arlene Swanson reflects on a long career in nursing and her plans to continue the profession she loves.

‘The gift of a heart’

Emergency room volunteer aims to make a difference in someone's life every day of the week.

Patient Story

Horticulturist and heart center hero

People and flowers blossom around volunteer Richard Lamberts.

Patient Story

Game on!

Tom Smart doesn't lament over sick kiddos' conditions. Instead, he celebrates the child within.

No losing this Wait

Spectrum Health volunteer Dave Wait helps visitors find their way around the downtown campus.

From running back to giving back

Jackie Zagers, widow of NFL running back Bert Zagers, excels in the volunteer field.

10,000 steps of volunteering

Sallie Bender Guild volunteer Cindi Walker helps set the pace at Butterworth and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital gift shops.

Doing good is good for your health

Studies show how the volunteerism spirit and activity can keep you in top physical and emotional health.

‘Meaningful and fulfilling’

Great-grandmother sings lullabies, rocks babies as part of her commitment to volunteerism.