National Volunteer Month: Melody's Story

For nearly four decades, Melody has devoted herself to serving others through hospice care. What began as a simple conversation in 1985 with a nursing instructor in Knox County turned into a lifelong calling. “A nursing teacher mentioned that hospice was coming to Knox County and explained what it was,” Melody recalls. “I thought, that sounds like something really good. I’d like to be involved.” She completed her volunteer training in 1986 and was soon matched with her first patient. As a nurse, Melody did everything from giving vaccinations to helping with personal care. “Back then, you did whatever was needed. You listened, held a hand, and made sure families knew they weren’t alone.” Even after retiring from nursing in 2006, Melody never stopped serving. She continued volunteering with hospice, the American Red Cross, and FEMA, responding to disasters like Hurricane Sandy and the Washington State mudslide. But no matter where she was called to help, hospice remained close to her heart.

“People always ask, ‘Why was I born? What am I supposed to do?’” Melody says. “I believe I was born to serve.” For Melody, hospice volunteering isn’t just about making a difference, it’s about being present for people in their most vulnerable moments. Whether sitting vigil with a patient in their final hours or offering phone support to a family member, she understands the power of simply being there. “The phone support system has been incredible,” she says. “Some patients can’t talk, so I speak with their family members instead. I had one woman who I called at the same time every week. We’d talk for over an hour. Just knowing someone was there made all the difference.”

As the wife of a veteran, Melody has played a key role in hospice’s veteran services, participating in countless veteran pinnings. These ceremonies provide a meaningful way to honor veterans in hospice care, often giving families a glimpse into stories they had never heard before. “When we first started doing veteran pinnings, it was heart-warming,” Melody remembers. “I’d ask, ‘Is there anything you’d like to share about your service?’ And suddenly, these veterans—who had never spoken about their experiences—began opening up. Families would say, ‘Oh my gosh, I never knew.’ That’s how powerful it is.” One of Melody’s most cherished moments as a hospice volunteer came during a vigil. She sat beside with a patient, holding their hand and singing softly. “Sometimes you get a reaction, sometimes you don’t,” she says. “But it’s about being there. That night, the patient passed peacefully, and their family later shared how much that moment had meant to them.”

“Melody has been involved in nearly all areas of service,” says Danielle, a Volunteer Service Manager. “She doesn’t see volunteering as just a way to pass the time—she sees it as an opportunity to serve. Her presence at the bedside, her dedication to veterans, and her unwavering support for families create lasting impacts.”

After 39 years of volunteering, Melody remains as passionate as ever about hospice care. She sees it as a way to provide dignity, comfort, and connection. “I enjoy being there for patients so they can express their heart and mind during this time,” she says. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of their journey.” From offering a listening ear to holding a hand in the final moments, Melody’s service embodies what hospice is all about: compassion, dignity, and presence.