Tri City Health Partnership in St. Charles celebrates its volunteers

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

I’ve read that quote several times now, and find comfort in it. With the stresses we all find daily in our lives from financial, work, family life or other stressors, taking time to fill our personal tank tends to be at the bottom of the must do list. So how do we make our personal joy a priority?

I’m a firm believer that giving back to the world we live in brings joy to the soul. Whether buying coffee for the customer behind you at Starbucks, checking on the elderly neighbor in the winter, organizing a fundraiser for a co-worker diagnosed with cancer or something else, doing for others ultimately fills our happiness tank.

In preparing for this article, I did a little research into the clinic’s history. Dr. Patrick Gannon, James Cooke and John Collins were the founding professionals that saw the need for a free clinic. Now 17 years later, Gannon still treats patients at no-charge, and Cooke and Collins are both still very active. Since opening the clinic in 2001, we have had over 300 individual medical and dental professionals, and another 200 administrative volunteers. When we add up the dedicated hours from over the years, it equals more than 24,000.

Nevertheless, it begs the question, with all of the stresses, time constraints and obligations we have, why do people choose to volunteer? I reached out to a number of our volunteers and asked the question: How does treating patients for free fill your tank? The overriding theme was the same: volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. Wow. That is a profound statement. Volunteering provides purpose, they feel joy and they literally save lives in the process. I can see how their tank would be overflowing.

In my short time as executive director at Tri City Health Partnership, I have seen first-hand the happiness our volunteers achieve by spending time with patients. The gratitude that radiates from our patients' faces quickly reminds every volunteer why they are here.

Dr. Sarah Kimber and Dr. Stephen Holtsford have been with the clinic for well over 15 years. They both serve on the board of directors as well as treat patients monthly. It is not a stretch for me to say that they are truly the heart and soul of the clinic. From the minute they step into the building, you can feel their compassion like a blanket wrapping around your shoulders. They bring a sense of warmth and happiness and it is beyond inspiring to witness.

I don’t think there is anyone in Kane County who finds more joy in helping others as our Dental Director Dr. John Mason. One morning, he called me upstairs from my office to meet a patient he had just treated and said, “Show Kim your bright new smile!” The patient turns to me with tears in her eyes and tells me that now she can smile with pride at her daughter's upcoming wedding. When I look back at Dr. Mason, he is elation personified. Then there is the man, who only a few weeks prior, had three missing front teeth and now beams with confidence and excitement for his approaching job interview.

As is the norm at most hospitals or doctor’s offices, the nurses carry the weight for all. From the bright “hello, how are you” that greets each patient; to the heartfelt question of, “how have you been feeling since the last time you were here?” each patient knows they are sincerely being cared for.

I could write volumes on the men and women who selfishly give of their time, talents and financial donations to Tri City Health Partnership. Not all of our volunteers have a medical or dental background. Without the behind the scenes work of board members, fundraisers, marketing, financial and others, the clinic would be hard-pressed to exist. Everyone brings something unique to the table.

With all of the amazing charities in Kane County alone, there is a treasure trove of possibilities for you to find yourself again. If Tri City Health Partnership sounds like a good fit, call 630-377-9277. At the very least, I encourage those interested to visit volunteermatch.org, which provides a wonderful list of organizations in need of people with passion. Allow yourself the opportunity to experience joy by serving others.

Kim Lamansky is the executive director of the Tri City Health Partnership.