The 'Energizer' Sonny

Sonny Meadows is the most energetic, delightful and dynamic person that I have met in recent memory. Her enthusiasm for the volunteer work that she performs is infectious. With a keen sense of humor and compassion, one can easily see how patients who are undergoing infusion treatments for cancer would feel that she can be trusted to be sincere, knowledgeable, welcoming and definitely enthusiastic.

The American Cancer Society liaises with UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center to provide the Cancer Resource Center (CRC) where volunteers help cancer patients get the information, resources and referrals they need. It is here where Sonny has volunteered 4 hours a week since 2011. She is one of eight volunteers who staff the resource center. Sonny stressed that “There are a whirlwind of issues that face a newly diagnosed patient.” She is well versed about the resources that can help the patient as well as their family, friends and caregivers.

There are many other resources that are offered. The Wig, Hat & Turban Bank, free hats, lap robes, pillows and make-up kits are just a sampling of the important programs and services offered free of charge by CRC through the generosity of the American Red Cross and other sources. There is a computer to use, a wig room where volunteers, like Sonny, do fittings, and an area filled with written materials on topics ranging from how to receive assistance with utility bills to navigating through medical insurance coverage as well as a wealth of information on services available to cancer patients

Becoming a volunteer at Cancer Resource Center was a decision that Sonny did not take lightly. During 2011 she was struggling to find an additional volunteer commitment. She came upon RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) while studying the Volunteer Match website. Sonny and Jennifer Gahagan, King County’s director of RSVP, talked many times before they worked out a volunteer assignment that felt right for her. Sonny emphasizes how much she “appreciates the time and effort that Jennifer put into making sure that her RSVP site was a good fit for her.”

The Cancer Resource Center is located near the Infusion Center where treatments take place. Sonny noted that this proximity provides “easy access for patients to visit the Cancer Resource Center”. In addition, “We go to the Infusion Center in the hospital to visit with new patients, provide a gift pack, a general information folder, and a Health Manager file to help keep track of records. If the patient is willing, we sit and talk to them.” The opportunity to visit with patients pleases Sonny a great deal. Sonny also added that another part of her volunteer role is to “stay connected to those who are still receiving treatment”.

Sonny appreciates the excellent training that she received. Monthly staff meetings are held to help keep everyone on the same page. When she began volunteering, volunteers did not go into the treatment area and only staffed the CRC. Now they are trained for both.

She stressed that to be a volunteer here requires that you have to be resilient and can’t take things personally. Sonny pointed out that patients react in so many different ways to their diagnosis. “The dynamics are different each day. No two people come in the same”.

Sonny has lived in Washington since the 1960’s. She is a retired nurse with 30 years in occupational nursing at Boeing. She walks half marathons, participates in the Sound Steps Walking Program offered through the Seattle Parks & Recreation Department, travels, gardens, reads and can you guess that, yes, she really enjoys volunteering. Sonny believes that “if you have lived a blessed life it is important to give back.”

If you are interested in giving back, contact RSVP to find out more how you can find the best volunteer job to suit your skills and interests. You can reach us at 206.694.6786 or at janh@solid-ground.org