From Care to Casting: A Gilchrist Fishing Adventure
In 1996, Mike Richardson faced the challenge of caring for his mother, who was dying of cancer, while juggling a demanding job that did not offer support to their employees during personal crises. Fortunately, Gilchrist stepped in, caring for his mother while Mike was at work. This support was a tremendous relief for Mike, easing his daily stress and allowing him to focus on his responsibilities without constantly worrying about his mother’s well-being.
The experience with Gilchrist left a lasting impression on Mike. He vowed that once he retired, he would give back to Gilchrist. “When my mother passed, I made a pact. I said that when I retire, I will give Gilchrist what they gave me. My mother always raised me to treat people how I would like to be treated,” Mike recalls. True to his word, Mike began volunteering at Gilchrist two years ago.
Mike has found immense fulfillment in his volunteer work. One of the most memorable experiences was a recent fishing trip with Gilchrist patient Richard Holewinski. Despite struggling with his health and losing his independence, Richard expressed a desire to go fishing one last time. “I’ve been fishing since I was two years old,” Richard shares, “The Pasadena Sportfishing Group was my fishing club, which I just dropped out of a year ago due to my health.” So, when Gilchrist volunteer coordinator Gena Johnson found out about this, she pulled some strings and reached out to Mike to see if he would fulfill one of Richard’s last wishes: to spend a day casting reels and catching fish. Although Mike had never been fishing before, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.
The day was filled with learning and bonding. Richard, a seasoned fisherman, was happy to teach Mike the ins and outs of fishing. Despite his physical limitations, Richard’s passion for fishing shone through as he instructed Mike on the nuances of casting and reeling in a catch. “The amazing thing is, he said he’d never been fishing a day in his life, but he was terrific and never asked for help once. I thank Mike and Gilchrist for making this day happen,” Richard shares. Richard’s joy was evident when Mike caught his first fish, and the two shared many laughs throughout the day. “He told me it might be his last time fishing, and I felt grateful to have been a part of it,” Mike shares.
Mike’s dedication to helping others is not limited to fishing trips. He volunteers in various capacities at Gilchrist, from providing respite for family members to providing companionship to patients. At Gilchrist’s Howard County Hospice Inpatient Center, he helps at the front desk, greeting people, answering calls, and coordinating care. He also participates in porch-to-pantry deliveries, ensuring those who cannot leave their homes receive the needed items. Mike shares, “Volunteering with hospice has been therapeutic for me. Hospice has a greater calling where you can positively impact someone’s life. Spending time with someone who needs support the most can bring a smile to their face. Hospice work is rejuvenating because you get to share positivity.”
The volunteer program at Gilchrist is enriched by a wide range of activities, from offering companionship and delivering nourishing meals to crafting memory bears and baking cookies on-site. Some volunteers even serve as death doulas, providing solace and support to those nearing life’s end.
Mike Richardson’s story is a testimony to the profound impact of hospice care and the difference that dedicated volunteers can make. Hospice care is about more than just providing end-of-life support; it’s about enriching lives, creating positive experiences, and offering peace and comfort when it’s needed most.
To learn more about the volunteer program at Gilchrist, visit https://gilchristcares.org/volunteer/