Through the Phoenix Phil-Am Lions Club of Arizona my husband and I thus far have participated in 6 Cataract Medical Missions. The total surgeries done are now over 600 since 2003 and traveled to both Mexico and the Philippines. We do as many as 44 cases a day and worked over 12 hours as a post-op nurse primarily, as a pre-op nurse, translator, organizer/and or record keeper, transporter, resource person and as many roles as possible depending upon the need.

The very first time I joined this wonderful group of people in 2003, I said to myself this would be a good tax write off and a way to visit family in the Philippines. Then I discovered there are more benefits. As a volunteer it made me feel especially good emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually. The experiences improved my self image and even my self worth as I know I made a special contribution to society and I made a difference.  I learned new skills even though I am a “so called” seasoned RN. Now more than ever I appreciate “teamwork”. Because of what the group did over 600 eyes can now see and we helped improve the quality of life of many. Our patients were mostly indigents, as young as 18 months, as old as 96 and a leprosy patient who was refused care by other providers. Helping, teaching, mentoring and sharing experiences are sources of untold satisfaction in volunteering. I feel so fortunate and blessed being able to do this with my husband. Community Service has become my passion since then. I have also done volunteer work for the following: Feeding the Homeless at St. Vincent de Paul, KEEP Screening (Kidney Early Evaluation Program)health fairs, DM Walk, leading a group of nurses of special interests through the Philippine Nurses Association of Arizona and I served as a committee member of the Arizona Perianesthesia Nurses Association (AZPANA). As an ANA/AzNA member I felt compelled to share my story with the hope that other nurses will be enticed to do volunteer work. Think about your passions, consider your talents and skills, find volunteer opportunities and be sure to have the dedication. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother who works fulltime at the Mayo Clinic and yes volunteering can be time consuming, but it can be done.