78th annual volunteer appreciation banquet celebrates diversity and growth
Remy Lee, a 23-year-old University of Chicago graduate, future medical student and classically trained pianist, volunteers once a week to take cancer patients on a delightful musical journey.
On a small digital keyboard in a recreational therapy room at the Center for Care and Discovery, Lee plays patients’ requests, ranging from fine solo works of composer Frederic Chopin to breezy waltzes. He occasionally branches out, telling corny jokes and inviting patients to join in a sing-along of “Let It Go” from the Disney animated movie, “Frozen.”
“I got this wild idea to play for patients, then it kicked off,” Lee said. “I wanted to do more to give back to them and contribute something that is a part of me.”
Lee, who is from South Korea and starts medical school this fall at the University of Illinois, was among 1,100 volunteers who were recognized during the University of Chicago Medicine’s 78th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on April 12 at the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine.
“You inspire us beyond measure with all of your warmth and passion for being here for those in need and for our caregivers,” said Brenda Battle, Vice President, Urban Health Initiative and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
The pool of volunteers shows “incredible diversity,” Battle said. Volunteers range in ages from 16 to 93 and include high school students, University of Chicago students, retirees, as well as people from many cultures and backgrounds.
“I wanted to do more to give back to them and contribute something that is a part of me.”
The event’s theme, “Volunteers Help Our Community Grow,” was reflected in the 85,000 hours of service throughout 30 UChicago Medicine departments. In addition, more than 300 medical students, nurses and physicians contributed countless hours of service on campus and out in neighborhoods and at schools and organizations in UChicago Medicine-sponsored programs on the South Side.
Many volunteers go out of their way to comfort patients. One volunteer went across the city on more than one occasion to locate a specialty magazine for a patient. The Comer Children’s Hospital tutors volunteer to assist pediatric inpatients with school work to stay on track while in the hospital.
For volunteers like Lee, the joy of serving others is “a gift,” he said. With support from UChicago Medicine’s Office of Volunteer Services, Lee debuted the piano program two years ago and has been sharing his musical gift ever since. “I am grateful that I can give back to help patients heal,” he said.
But patients are not the only ones who benefit from his music sessions, observed Megan Brady, a recreational therapist. “Staff and caregivers said their stress and anxiety decreased when they heard his music in the hallway,” she said. “We have been so fortunate for all of his dedication and service.”