Celebrating Gilchrist’s Incredible Volunteers During National Volunteer Week
At Gilchrist, our volunteers are the heart of our mission, offering their time, compassion, and unique talents to bring comfort and support to patients and families. For National Volunteer Week, we are thrilled to spotlight just a few of the amazing individuals who make a difference every day.
Doug Sachse – Pantry to Porch and Beyond
Doug Sachse delivers food to five families in Baltimore City through Gilchrist’s partnership with the BIT Center food pantry. His motivation to volunteer stems from deeply personal experiences—having been closely involved in the end-of-life journeys of his mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law. Witnessing their varied experiences with death led him to seek ways to support others facing similar moments.
“What I enjoy most about volunteering is the strong feeling of self-worth in everything I have done. It makes volunteering a very selfish endeavor, but self-fulfilling all the same. I also particularly find satisfaction in meeting and talking with some of the people I serve. I am not sure that I am so great at this, but it leaves me with a very warm feeling.”
Jill England – Bringing Love and Celebration to Patients
Jill England and her golden retriever, Sadie, bring comfort to patients in Howard County through Gilchrist’s Pet Love program. Jill had always wanted one of her dogs to serve as a therapy animal, and when Sadie displayed an exceptionally calm demeanor, she knew they could make an impact.
“My favorite moment volunteering is always when we first meet a new patient and they just light up when they see Sadie! Everything else they are going through seems to disappear for a moment.”
In addition to her Pet Love visits, Jill also bakes and decorates birthday cakes for Gilchrist Kids pediatric hospice patients, bringing joy to families during difficult times.
Silvia Anselmino – Supporting Spanish-Speaking Families
Silvia Anselmino was inspired to volunteer after seeing firsthand the comfort Gilchrist provided to a friend’s family during a devastating cancer diagnosis. During the COVID-19 shutdown, she felt a deep calling to support hospice patients and became a Gilchrist volunteer. She now visits Spanish-speaking pediatric patients and their families, providing companionship and cultural understanding.
“I truly love interacting with the patients and their families. I have had the honor to meet wonderful people confronting very difficult circumstances and learn from their wisdom. Volunteering at Gilchrist has offered a completely different perspective on life and death.”
Daisy Zhou – A Passion for Hospice Care
Daisy Zhou’s journey into hospice volunteering was shaped by her grandfather’s end-of-life experience in China, where hospice care was nearly absent. Witnessing his suffering without comfort left her with a burning question—how can medicine balance science with compassion?
“What I enjoy most about volunteering with Gilchrist is the deep human connection I am privileged to form with patients and their families. These moments, while often quiet, are deeply meaningful. They reaffirm my belief that dignity in dying is as important as care in living.”
Daisy balances a full-time schedule at Johns Hopkins University while volunteering at the Gilchrist Center Baltimore Unit, in patient homes, and through Gilchrist’s Ambassador Program.
Paige Gryski – Building Meaningful Connections
Paige Gryski dedicates time each week to visiting multiple patients in a senior living community—all while working and being a full-time student.
“My favorite part of being a Gilchrist volunteer is forming treasured friendships with the patients and their families. I truly value every minute I get to spend with them.”
Paige also got her dog, Java, certified as a therapy animal, and together, they bring comfort and companionship to those they visit.
Heather Sacks – Spreading Joy with Mateo
Heather Sacks has been involved in pet therapy since she was twelve, inspired by a visit to her grandmother’s rehabilitation facility. Her dog, Mateo, now continues the legacy of her first therapy dog, Skyler, visiting patients at Gilchrist Center Towson and beyond.
“What resonates most deeply about my work at Gilchrist is the profound knowledge that we’ve made a tangible difference during life’s most challenging moments. It is my calling, with Mateo by my side, to continue spreading joy and comfort, one heartfelt visit at a time.”
Loraine Dillon – A Mentor for New Volunteers
Loraine Dillon is a versatile volunteer who attends two IDT meetings weekly, visits patients in homes and facilities, and serves as a doula. She also mentors new volunteers, helping them feel confident and prepared as they begin visiting patients. Her compassion and extensive experience make her a valuable guide for those just starting their journey with Gilchrist.
“I have really enjoyed the direct relationships I have made with the patients and my connections to their families in the many home care assignments I have done over these years. The fact that I am trusted to be with them in their homes, helping to provide support and in some cases giving their families some much-needed respite. Volunteering with these patients has given me great perspective on the things that happen in my own life. I am grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer with Gilchrist.” Loraine Dillon is a versatile volunteer who attends two IDT meetings weekly, visits patients in homes and facilities, and serves as a doula. She also mentors new volunteers, helping them feel confident and prepared as they begin visiting patients. Her compassion and extensive experience make her a valuable guide for those just starting their journey with Gilchrist.
Pamela Henry – Sharing Music, Memories, and Heart
After 42 years as a teacher, Pamela brought her storytelling, music, compassion, and planning skills to Gilchrist Center Howard, where she now volunteers close to home. Inspired by the support her family received from hospice during her mother’s final days in 2003, she knew even before retiring that she wanted to give back in the same way. She completed her volunteer training during the pandemic and has been a steady presence ever since—especially meaningful to one patient who has been at the center since November. Though vision loss prevents her from driving far, she’s found the perfect place to serve and connect just around the corner.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Gilchrist’s volunteers bring light to patients and families during their most vulnerable times. Whether delivering food, offering companionship, providing comfort through pet therapy, or baking birthday cakes, their impact is immeasurable.
This National Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to every Gilchrist volunteer. Your kindness, dedication, and selflessness are what make Gilchrist a place of compassion and support. Thank you for all that you do!