Health & Fitness
A Volunteer’s 20-Year Calling
With her father by her side, a dedicated volunteer with cerebral palsy finds purpose, therapy, and connection on her weekly mail route.
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For nearly 20 years, Bethy has been a familiar and welcome face at Ocean University Medical Center, where she spends her Wednesdays delivering mail. For Bethy, who has cerebral palsy, the weekly tradition is a source of joy and connection. With her father, Jim, accompanying her, it’s also a unique form of therapy.
“While I am supporting her with the use of a gait belt, she can push the mail cart and work on her balance. It’s a little physical therapy, and she gets to meet people,” Jim explains.
A highlight of their route is the oncology department, where the staff go out of their way to connect with Bethy each week. When the COVID-19 pandemic put her volunteering on hold, the absence was felt by everyone. “During COVID, Bethy really missed volunteering,” says her mom, Sue. As soon as restrictions lifted, Bethy was the first volunteer to return to the hospital.
While the family gives their time, they feel they are the ones who should be giving thanks. “I always say thank you all for letting Beth volunteer, because she really likes coming here,” Jim says. Sue agrees, “It’s the highlight of her week. She loves giving back to the community.”
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