Meet Our Buddies

In a time filled with so much uncertainty, there are always heroes that shine out of the darkness, determined to make a difference. Some of the heroes come in the form of healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and for us its our Student Buddies who have stepped up to make a difference in their communities, and have found ways to be creative and serve in new capacities. 

“My volunteering experience has been really meaningful”, said Maryam. “As a future health professional, I really want connect and support the populations I would like to serve one day as a doctor, and I’m glad to do my part to help those who may not be able to help themselves right now.”

In the blink of an eye, our world has changed. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to adapt to a new reality. Despite the darkness, there is light brought upon by the helpers. Mr. Rogers illustrates this through his quote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Alaina Marr is no stranger to being a helper. She never misses a chance to visit her patient buddy at Sparrow Hospital when he is in. Alaina shared, “The highlight of my week is when I get to see my buddy! Each visit is a special moment for me. I love seeing my buddy’s face light up when I walk into the room.” Their favorite game to play together is the card game Uno.

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.”

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.

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.”