In Memoriam – Barbara Carmody
by KAREN CARMODY
If you spent your career teaching and serving others, how might you enjoy your time in retirement? Sleep late, relax and bask in the fruits of your labors knowing you have positively impacted many lives? Some might, and it would certainly be a well-deserved right to choose to do so, however, that is not what Barbara Carmody, my amazing mother-in-law, did in her retirement.
When Barbara first retired, she traveled a bit, but she also became involved in volunteering at church and in her grandson’s school. In 2021, at age 78, she moved to Winston-Salem to be near her family who had relocated. She immediately began seeking ways to be involved in the Forsyth community.
One of Barbara’s first volunteering experiences was at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center where she acquired more than 88 volunteer hours working alongside her friends to comfort mothers on bed rest or with premature babies. Barbara then spearheaded an effort to reestablish a volunteer program between the residents of her retirement community, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB), and Ronald McDonald House Charities Piedmont Triad (RMHCPT), activities which the pandemic had halted entirely. Barbara taught the residents of her retirement community how to crochet and knit baby hats, planned craft activities and organized her community’s library.
Along with representatives of the Ronald McDonald House, Barbara coordinated monthly and seasonal crafts and activities to help parents and family members stay busy while waiting in the NICU for their little ones. Barbara contributed more than 225 volunteer hours to the Brenner Family Room. Furthermore, she and her troop of friends made quilts, dolls, teddy bears, door decorations and baskets to bring cheer and comfort to those waiting in the pediatric cancer center at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital.
In May of this year, Barbara’s health suddenly declined, and she passed away within just a week or so of volunteering. Her passing and missing presence is not only felt by her family but also by her friends and the hospital communities she so enjoyed helping. Barbara’s family believes her volunteering was deeply important to her longevity because it gave her a new purpose while also keeping her active and focused on others. Reiko Roope, Hospitality Services Coordinator with RMHCPT stated, “Ms. Barbara was the embodiment of dedication and compassion. She genuinely cared for our cause of helping families with sick children. Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.” Reiko fondly recalled how Barbara’s face would light up with joy as she handed out baby hats and visited with families.
If you have never considered volunteering before, please do. No matter your age, you can make a difference and find personal fulfillment as Barbara did. There are many ways you can get involved at local hospitals and with RMHCPT.
RMHCPT offers the following avenues for volunteering – assisting families with hospitalized children by greeting guests, monitoring check-ins and keeping the kitchen stocked at the Brenner, Cone or Forsyth Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. Back at the House, one can help with sorting donations, assisting families and performing clerical work. If you have more time to commit, Family Support Volunteers play a vital role by facilitating Bingo on Monday nights and hosting crafts, special events and holiday celebrations. Finally, teens can explore the non-profit and medical world by joining the Teens With Heart program every summer. Apply online at rmhcpt.org/make-a-difference/volunteer.
Due to its size, AHWFB needs ambassadors to show patients and guests around the hospital and help them navigate the large facility. Please apply online at Wakehealth.edu/volunteer. The clearance process requires a background check, orientation and a TB test (and flu shot during flu season). For those who want to help but are unable to commit to the above requirements, the hospital accepts donations of the following:
Homemade cards for children or adults
Crocheted or knitted blankets (for infants or lap quilts for adults)
Small crayon and colored pencil packets
Fun stickers and coloring books
Word search books
Small puzzles with big pieces
Squeeze/stress balls and small toys
Small, easy-to-read books
Individual goldfish cracker bags
Individual baby wipes
Clothes for ages 6-18, any gender and all sizes
