Hospice Volunteer Tops the List
Fran Fricks Named 2006 Volunteer of the Year by Ocala Star Banner

Fran Fricks (left) and Esther Folsum at awards ceremony

In 15 years as a patient care volunteer, Fran Fricks has experienced death up close. Throughout it all, she has maintained a bright attitude and is an inspiration to the many families she has served. Patient care volunteers often become very close to their patients almost as a “member of the family.” They offer companionship, run errands, provide relief to the caregiver, and are there for the bereaved after the death of their loved one, supporting them in their grief.

For her continuing support of those facing end-of-life issues, Fran Fricks was named Volunteer of the Year by the Ocala Star Banner in April. Since 1991, she has provided an astonishing 2,000 hours of service. Fran also often serves in the 11th Hour Vigil program, in which a volunteer will sit with a patient, holding their hand or offering soothing words, until they pass away. At the April award ceremony, Fran diverted the attention from herself to people at Hospice of Marion County, thanking everyone at Hospice “that affords me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people. This is a journey we’ll all have to make. Hospice makes it a little easier.”

Another Hospice volunteer was a runner up for the award. Esther Folsom has served Hospice of Marion County since 1998, lending her time and creativity to the Hospice Thrift Store in Silver Springs Shores. When asked why she has spent eight years continuously volunteering, Ester had an immediate reply:  “Because you want to help others and give back to your community. I have a lot of energy and I’ve been blessed with good health, so if the spirit’s willing and the body’s willing, then you have to keep going.”

Fran and Esther—just two reasons why volunteering is both a good thing to do…and good for you.