A Lifelong Dedication to Lending a Helping Hand
After dedicating 35 years to teaching in the Pittsburgh Public School system, Ilene Lesser never thought she could find something as enjoyable to occupy her time. After retiring, she quickly turned to volunteerism. Thankfully, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC was the first place she contacted regarding volunteer needs. For the past four years, Ilene has devoted four days a week to improving the lives of women and babies and so much more.
Ilene’s first gig as a Magee volunteer was discharging patients in the post-partum unit. While in this position, Ilene learned of volunteers who cuddle babies. Unfortunately, there was a waiting list for this popular volunteer opportunity.
Her chance finally arrived and today, she is a “baby cuddler”. Cautious not to interrupt the occupied nurses, Ilene was a fast learner and earned the trust of all the unit staff.
“When Ilene walks through the door, I know it’s going to be a good day,” says Patricia Maloni, RNC. “Ilene has stayed later than planned many times to help me out on the busiest of days. She’s wonderful with the parents and she never leaves a fussy baby.”
According to Ilene, “there’s nothing like holding a baby.” Some babies in the unit are born addicted to a street or prescription drug and need a little extra nurturing.
Sometimes the mothers need a little extra comfort too. Ilene is always willing to lend an ear when upset mothers need someone to talk to. In fact, she maintains many friendships long after the babies are discharged. One downfall of cuddling babies is becoming attached. She says the babies just tug at your heartstrings.
“I absolutely love the nurses and caring for the babies,” states Ilene. “I feel at home when I come to volunteer. People have mentioned me working here full-time, but if it were my job, it just wouldn’t be as rewarding as volunteering.”
Recently, Ilene and another volunteer, Malisa Sommers, recognized the need to fund comfort items for the babies. Items such as WubbaNubs, which are stuffed animals attached to pacifiers, as well as diaper wipes and Bendeez can help babies feel safer in the absence of their parents. The volunteers reached out to Magee-Womens Foundation, who is in the process of seeking donations for the project. Even more impressive, the volunteers both purchased the first two sets of WubbaNubs out-of-pocket and worked out a deal with the product’s company to receive one case free with every case purchased.
Ilene has learned so much since volunteering. She admires the dedication of the nurses, staff, and compassionate doctors who care for the babies. Ilene truly feels like a part of the Magee family. Magee is lucky to have such a dependable and committed volunteer.
To learn how to make a gift for comfort items for our tiniest patients, please contact Colleen Gaughan, director of development at 412-641-8978 or cgaughan@magee.edu.
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