Volunteer Spotlight: Megi Celaj

“I always wanted to be a volunteer,” Megi Celaj said. “After realizing how many people were isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic I decided this was the perfect time to start.”  Megi recently joined Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care in St. Louis as a Volunteer. To start, her volunteer work is virtual.

Megi refers to herself as a “big listener” and loves hearing stories about patients’ past experiences, family and friends. “I enjoy getting to know my patients as individuals,” said Megi. “I focus less on their medical conditions and more on them as human beings.” 

Aside from lending a listening ear, Megi is there to do “anything asked of her.” Whether it be reading to patients or bridging the “digital divide,” Megi is up for the task. 

Finding the Light in a Dark Place 

Having never volunteered in end-of-life care, Megi had no idea what to expect. “I was worried the experience would be too overwhelming and dark,” admits Megi. “But I was immediately touched by how much happiness was present in the patients.” 

With all of the COVID-19 regulations in place, it is sometimes hard for family members to visit their loved ones. Megi sees the loneliness her patients experience and she has made it her personal mission to “step it up to brighten their day. I feel like I am the one that is getting the most out of this,” said Megi. “I feel so lucky.” 

Megi is a student at Maryville University in St. Louis. She makes it a point to visit with her patients before her classes, stating, “it’s the perfect start to my day.” Megi plans to volunteer “for as long as she can.” She is off to a great start and Crossroads is delighted to have her.

To learn more about volunteering with Crossroads, please call 1-888-564-3405 to speak with a Volunteer Manager.

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