Meet Our Buddies
Our Featured Buddies
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Michigan State University
Kaylee Bell
Michigan State University
Hospital Buddy
The month of February is often associated with love, which is not surprising since it hosts Valentine’s Day and International Friendship Month. While the modern English language uses the word “love” to describe various forms, ancient Greek philosophy differentiated the conceptual forms of love through distinct words.
Kaylee shared, “My favorite memory was my first day as a volunteer. The first patient room I visited was a set of newborn twin girls. I rocked and sang to them while their mother took a much-needed break. They made my first day unforgettable, and I was excited to continue my journey as a volunteer.”
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Florida International University
Alexis Spencer
Florida International University
Hospital Buddy
Walt Disney shared the idea that “we create happiness.” Since August 2018, Alexis Spencer has embodied this mentality as a StudentsCare Hospital Buddy. Alexis was drawn to the Hospital Buddy Program because she loved the idea of being able to bring smiles to those who need it. Alexis shared, “Kids are one of the greatest sources of happiness and laughter, so I just wanted to be able to give them and their families happiness when they need it the most.” Alexis began as a Hospital Buddy volunteer and is now the vice president of the Florida International University Chapter.
“I have had so many great memories with so many patients over the past year and a half,” Alexis shared.
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University of Texas
Mariela Villarreal
University of Texas
Hospital Buddy
Is there anything more rewarding than lifting the spirits of young children in the hospital? Mariela Villarreal couldn’t think of anything to top the feeling of giving hope to a sick child. As a founding member and treasurer of our University of Texas – Austin chapter, Mariela is proud to carry out the mission of StudentsCare each day.
Mariela continues, “I really enjoyed helping our buddies create the perfect costume, complete with wigs and props. Seeing all of those superheroes and princesses walking down the halls brightened my day.”
Meet successful Alumni
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Nandini Rathod
Nandini is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington majoring in psychology with aspirations to become a physician.
"I truly love volunteering with StudentsCare and am very grateful to be a part of the family."