Good Deed of the Week 11/22/09

Ellen has volunteered at Southeast Missouri Hospital for three years and is willing to take on any new challenge. She currently volunteers in surgery waiting room, pre-surgery, the medical office building and the front lobby. When asked why she enjoys volunteering, she said neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Gibbs, a neurosurgeon, "gave me another chance at life." Ellen suffered a spinal cord injury and Gibbs performed the surgery to help her. She said that throughout her recovery and physical therapy, everyone at the hospital treated her with genuine care and kindness and she feels like she has been given a second chance at life and just wants to give back. Ellen said her secret to life is staying positive and not dwelling on the negative. Staff at the hospital think that her attitude is evident in all she does as a volunteer at Southeast Missouri Hospital.