Geralyn Teszlewicz, W.Thomas Woodward and Nancy Martling
Published: Jan. 25, 2013
Three area residents have been honored by Sparrow Hospice Services for their outstanding volunteer service during 2012.
Geralyn Teszlewicz of Lansing, W. Thomas Woodward of Haslett, and Nancy Martling of Lansing gave selflessly of their time to aid hospice Patients and their families.
Teszlewicz is the recipient of the 2012 Hospice House Volunteer of the Year Award for the extraordinary compassion, energy and cheerfulness she brings to Hospice House, a 21-bed facility on Sparrow's St. Lawrence campus. She has often sat at bedside vigils with Patients in their final hours.
Woodward received Sparrow's 2012 Home Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award for the exceptional rapport he establishes with Patients and their caregivers. In one example of his heartfelt care, Woodward interviews Patients and writes their life stories in what are called Tuesday Stories. He was once asked to read part of a Tuesday Story at a Patient's funeral.
Martling was given the Betty Geller Award Celebrating the Spirit of Hospice Care for her devotion to the hospice program for the past six years. She has filled a variety of volunteer roles, including providing companionship to Patients and guiding families to resources.
Sparrow Hospice Services provides compassionate care to relieve physical, mental and spiritual pain. Our comprehensive approach to hospice offers in-home care, as well as the inpatient Hospice House. We also provide care to many nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout mid-Michigan.
Those interested in volunteering for hospice may complete the online application at www.sparrow.org/volunteer.