For 16-Year-Old Madelyn, It’s Not About Credit

Madelyn Schaeffer is a typical 16 year old. She runs cross country. She takes art classes. She just got her driver’s license. But we think Madelyn is pretty special.

She recently joined our team of volunteers and last week, she made her first patient visit when she spent time with Crossroads patient Sam Paul. “I’ve known him since elementary school when our class would visit the building where he lived,” Madelyn says. “I haven’t seen him in awhile because high school is so busy. “

Like many volunteers, Madelyn was a little nervous about her initial visit to someone on hospice. “I was worried he would be sick or different. But he’s still Sam,” she shares. She was pleased that her visit was so pleasant and looks forward to visiting with more hospice patients.  “People just want company and someone to talk to. You just tell them about your life,” she says.

Sam Paul is a U.S. military veteran who was shot in World War II during the Normandy Invasion. He’s also one of the Philadelphia Phillies’ most devoted fans. “I think he’s seen every game since he was born!” Madelyn laughs. “He has scrapbooks of newspaper articles from big games and can tell you everything that happened in the most recent game.”

Although many schools require volunteer hours, Madelyn’s doesn’t. She is committed to her work at Crossroads because she loves to chat with patients and learn about their lives.  “I volunteer because I enjoy it,” she says honestly. “People should stop thinking of it as ‘credit’ or a requirement, and just try it. It’s easy and you get to meet interesting people.”

Crossroads Hospice accepts student volunteers who are at least 16 years old. They can provide companionship, help patients share updates online and get to know interesting patients like Sam. Call 888-603-MORE if you or someone you know who would like to volunteer.