I have been a volunteer for seven years at the Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania Hospice.

When I retired, I wanted to volunteer for the community. On Mondays I volunteer in the hospice office, where I prepare the folders with the necessary documents the nurses need to take and give to families. I also am available to stay with patients so their caregivers can take a break and leave to run some errands.

Hospice gives comfort, support and hope to families. Each family receives physical, emotional and spiritual guidance.

The Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania Hospice gives comfort to the patient in the last phase of their lives.

The volunteers provide support and friendship to the family members. They help when the family needs some time to leave the patient just for a break in the daily care of their loved one.

Hospice gives the family hope to see that they are not alone. They help the patient live life to the fullest and support the patient’s family through a difficult time.

Recently, I had to take care of my 92-year-old mother, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in May 2008. She died in October of that year.

The nurses, home health aides and social workers gave me comfort knowing I could call 24 hours a day when I needed help.

They supported me and showed me how to care for her daily needs. I had hope that in my Mom’s final days her pain was controlled, with help from my husband, sister, brother and a wonderful caregiver.

My sister-in-law, a hospice nurse, was my volunteer. She came when I needed her to stay with Mom. I felt secure knowing that she was there.

I am happy to help and give back to the VNA Hospice with my time so some other family gets the help they need. Volunteers are a wonderful support to the family.

Carol Darney, 68, is resides in Penn Township with her husband, William. She has four grown children. She also volunteers with the United Way and the Community Health Clinic of Butler County. She is a member of Holy Sepulcher Roman Catholic Church.