This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
“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.’” ― Fred Rogers
Years from now, when we look back on the past year, we will undoubtedly be filled with memories of struggle. The struggle to cope with an unprecedented crisis in modern times that had led to isolation for hundreds of millions, illness for millions more, and death for hundreds of thousands.
COVID-19 has changed all of us in ways we have not begun to understand and won’t for some time. But there’s another memory that 2020 is likely to conjure: that of strength and perseverance.
Through all the challenges this year has brought, from the pandemic to the political divisiveness to the social unrest following the death of George Floyd, there are beacons in the storm. Among the brightest are the helpers who have remained steadfast in the face of immense challenges.
You, the volunteers at California’s hospitals, hand in hand with the hospital staff who work with you, are the helpers.
As Fred Rogers points out, when things are scary – and 2020 has been filled with scary things – it’s the helpers to whom people turn. You are there, and you help because you know that no matter what obstacles lie before you, there are others who need you.
So you keep showing up – in whatever way you can, in person or virtually — at hospitals all across the state. That commitment is something no pandemic can deter.
For showing up, no matter what, and for giving hope and strength to others when they need it most, on behalf of all of California’s hospitals, thank you for your service.
You are an inspiration to us all.
