Kathleen DeBoer decided that if she was going to be involved in people’s lives, she would totally immerse herself.

DeBoer volunteers with Crossroads Community Hospice, which provides very sick patients with

companions and can give family members some time to be alone.

When DeBoer starts seeing a patient, she wants to be there whenever she is needed. She becomes involved with the patient and the family.

“It will become like family,” she said. “I see it through to the end.”

DeBoer got involved with Hospice after retiring from Farmstead Foods. Hospice caught her attention because she has experienced family members becoming ill and knew the importance of having someone around to spend time with the person.

DeBoer enjoys knowing that her volunteer work can help a whole family while they are going through a tough situation.

“It gives you some peace and mind knowing you can do something,” she said.

DeBoer usually meets with a patient one or two times a week. She also meets with other Hospice volunteers every month for ongong training.

If you are interested in volunteering with Crossroads Community Hospice, call 377-6393 for more information.