Giving Back

For 15 years, Joan Harrigan has been volunteering for Samaritan Hospice.

In that time, she has put in 4,500 volunteer hours, an agency record. She was honored Jan. 29 at Samaritan’s annual Winterfest.

Harrigan, 77, came to Samaritan after seeing an ad in her church bulletin.

“My husband retired 16 years ago and was rehabbing houses in Camden,” she said. “I saw in the church bulletin that they needed help and I though I could do that.”

Harrigan said she was a member of the Red Cross Gray Ladies.

“Visiting the sick was something I knew I could do,” said Harrigan, who retired from a career as a contract administrator.

“Once she developed a special place in her heart for those coping with the end of life and grief, she has never looked back,” said Sally Cezo, manager of Volunteer Services. “She regards working with people at such a sacred time in their lives as her calling. The vast majority of Samaritan’s patients, families, staff and volunteers have benefited—either directly or indirectly—from Joan’s dedication to our organization.”

In her time at Samaritan, Harrigan has been a Via Lucis Advisory Committee Member, helping to guide Samaritan’s Ministry for Catholic Patients and Families; administrative support, assisting in the volunteer department with clerical work and orienting new volunteers; patient volunteer, visiting patients and families coping with a terminal illness; and a vigil volunteer, providing a supportive presence in the last hours of life.

It is the time she spends with the patients that has been the most rewarding for Harrigan.

“It’s not always easy,” said Harrigan. “Sometimes you have a long-term patient who ultimately passes, that hurts. But people can’t go through this alone. They need someone there to guide them through it.”

Harrigan said her work with Samaritan is fulfilling. And she said there is something for everyone who wants volunteer.

“There are so many ways people can help,” said Harrigan. “You can contribute even if you never see a patient.

“Don’t retire and sit home; there are so many opportunities. You’re paying back all the good things you’ve gotten in life.”