Volunteer Spotlight
Finding Meaning at PRMH
As a sophomore in college, I still hadn’t quite been able to find my "niche." Lost in the shuffle at the University of Pennsylvania, I was searching for some way to make my time in Philadelphia significant. It was with this goal in mind that I first pushed on the green gate at 3925 Chestnut Street two years ago. I have been coming back to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House every week since then. I now have a sense of pride each time I press that intercom button to say, "Hi, it's Lauren, I’m a volunteer!"
It's easy for us college students to be self consumed, blind to the reality that exists outside our bubble. My short time at the House has been an immeasurable learning experience; volunteering here truly puts life into perspective for me. A stressful night of studying becomes so utterly insignificant compared to the struggles of a child fighting a terminal illness. I've learned from the dedicated staff, I’ve learned from other loyal volunteers, but most importantly I've grown as a person because of the resilient families and patients with whom I’ve come into contact. I'll never forget meeting a girl my age who, despite having brain cancer, lit up a room with her laughter and trickster ways, or the father who had lost his baby but still managed to smile as he shared photos of his son with us. I know I'm not alone in this sentiment; it is the strength of the families we serve that inspires us as volunteers.
People often ask me what I do from 1pm to 6pm every Friday afternoon at the House. "Well," I say, "I answer the phone, check families in, empty dishwashers, and today, I alphabetized the extensive collection of DVDs!" The reason I love volunteering at the House is that all of these small contributions truly do make a difference. By eliminating one stress for a family or making it easier for a child to find his or her favorite movie, we all leave our mark.
In return, the House has left its mark on me.
Lauren Talman,
PRMH Volunteer
