A Desire to Give Back Inspires M. D. Anderson Volunteer to Help Others
Impressed by the medical care received for his prostate cancer while undergoing treatment there, Missouri City resident Ervin Grice helps patients and caregivers as a volunteer at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
On Tuesday mornings since September 2007, Grice has directed patients to correct personnel and provided those waiting at the Diagnostic Center of the R. Lee Clark Clinic at M. D. Anderson with blankets, puzzles and crisscross crafts. His goal is to make their experience comfortable and to train new volunteers on the importance of greeting others with a welcoming, positive attitude.
“I’m pleased to help patients and caregivers as a volunteer. It’s rewarding work. I can’t recall one day where I haven’t received a compliment or ‘thank you’ from a patient or caregiver,” Grice said. “When patients see an optimistic volunteer, this helps them get through their diagnosis.”
In 2000, Grice was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. His experience at M. D. Anderson compelled the software engineer to return as a volunteer after retirement from 41 years with NASA Johnson Space Center. In between moments of helping those touched by cancer, Grice runs marathons, attends his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and completes tasks as a presiding election judge.
“My wife, Martha Joyce, and I are always fulfilling our grandparent duties by traveling to a basketball and soccer game or violin recital,” Grice said. “I love to support and spend time with them. Now, I’m looking forward to celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary.”
Since 1954, M. D. Anderson volunteers have played an intricate part in helping patients and their families. Grice is one of more than 1,300 people working alongside faculty and staff. To date, he has dedicated 269 hours of volunteer service.
“For more than 55 years, volunteers have played a significant role in M. D. Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer,” said Susan French, executive director of Volunteer Services. “This institution could not be what it is today without their contributions. Called the heart of M. D. Anderson, these individuals have dedicated thousands of hours to serving our patients and their families. It’s an honor to show our appreciation for their work.”
M. D. Anderson recognized the contributions of its volunteers with a luncheon for daytime volunteers and a dinner for evening and weekend volunteers during the week of April 19 – 25. The institution will participate in the Texas Medical Center Volunteer Salute on Thursday, May 7. For more information on this department, visit http://www.mdanderson.org/Departments/volunteer/.
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