After 30 successful space missions, this retired NASA medical director takes on chronic lymphocytic leukemia with the help of MD Anderson's Geriatric Clinic.
Fall 2019 : A day in the life of a volunteer
A day in the life of a volunteer
Whether she’s delivering encouraging words, warm towels or cheerful bouquets to patients, or keeping waiting families updated about their loved one’s progress, MD Anderson volunteer Heli Kimhi values the opportunity to contribute.
Heli Kimhi. Photo: Adolfo Chavez III
Three years ago, Heli Kimhi accompanied her husband from their native Israel to Houston so he could accept a physician-scientist fellowship at MD Anderson. With a law degree and a master’s degree in public health, Kimhi was used to working and making a difference in Israel. But U.S. spousal visa restrictions prevented her from seeking employment, so she looked for opportunities to volunteer.
“The more I learned about MD Anderson,” she says, “the more I wanted to be a part of it.”
Now, Kimhi volunteers two days a week in the inpatient and surgical waiting room areas, supporting patients, their families and friends. Whether she’s delivering encouraging words, warm towels or cheerful bouquets to inpatients, or keeping waiting families updated about their loved one’s progress, she values the opportunity to contribute.
“I would come here every day, if I could,” she says. “This is a great chance for me to do something positive.”
Meeting her husband after work is another bonus, she says. Moran Amit, M.D., Ph.D. – Kimhi’s husband – is now an assistant professor of research in the Head and Neck Surgery department.
“After a day of working and volunteering, we have so much to talk about,” Kimhi says.
Are you interested in volunteering at MD Anderson? Learn about opportunities and how to get started.
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