Pictured from left to right are Mike Lawing, Rita Burch (Executive Director), and Roy Splawn.
Mike Lawing was recently honored for his volunteer work with the local Hospice.
In addition to visiting patients at the Hospice, Mike often plays his guitar and sings to bring comfort and solace to patients and their families.
Congratulations to Mike and Roy for their extraordinary work.
From the Rutherford, North Carolina, Daily Courier, October 30, 2013
Hospice Volunteers Recognized
This past May, Rutherford County recognized its top volunteers at the annual volunteer luncheon held at First Baptist Church in Forest City. All volunteers recognized were nominated by their organization to receive the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service. Two Hospice of Rutherford County volunteers were nominated for this award, Roy Splawn and Mike Lawing, both of Forest City, North Carolina. Both have contributed numerous years of service to Hospice.
Mike was nominated for the senior volunteer award. Mike’s commitment to Hospice of Rutherford County is evident, as he shares his experience while volunteering at Hospice as his “most rewarding” of all his volunteer roles. Since being diagnosed wih Renal Cell Carcinoma in 1997, Mike has become very involved with cancer urvivorship and advocacy for patients and their caregivers not only in the state of North Carolina, but throughout the U.S. Mike’s ability to be at ease with patients at the Hospice House is truly amazing. The calm tha the brings to the room and to the family is evident. He is truly a blessing to Hospice. Mike was recognized as one of the top five finalists for the Governor’s Award in the county.
Roy was nominated and was presented the senior volunteer award for Rutherford County. Roy was nominated for his outstanding volunteerism in a role at Hospice that may not be recognized by patients and families, but is such an integral part of this orgahnization. During the past year he has volunteered over 390 hours ensuring all the grounds, building, parking lots and Hospice House patios are always welcoming to our patients and families. Roy has a smile and good natured laugh about him that has endeared him as a volunteer for the whole Hospice staff.
For three years, Roy has dedicated numerous hours to the betterment of Hospice. He loves the freedom that being a volunteer provides him in his retirement years. He has a personal experience with Hospice, which cared for his wife before she passed away. When asked why he decided to volunteer for Hospice, Roy responded, “It’s the right thing to do. Hospice treated me and my wife well and it is my duty to return the favor.”
Roy has now moved on to the state level for recognition, and will hopefully receive the coveted Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service. Hospice is thankful for the service that both of these men have given to the organization and encourage everyone to volunteer if possible.
