Meet Gloria Durosko, Our Featured Volunteer from Denver!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? Children’s Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? 1.5 years
Are you a volunteer guide or musician? Guide
What is your occupation outside of MOC? Senior Consultant with Colorado Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education
Do you have any hidden talents? Between 1976 and 1994 I participated actively in the sport of skydiving. I made about 4,000 skydives, was a jumpmaster and instructor, competed nationally with an all women’s team called Quest, and was part of a Women’s World Record that ended up in the Guiness Book of Records.
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? Music has always been an important part of my life. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I was caught up in the music revolution of that era. My older brother was in a band and I often traveled to their gigs. I love live music and find the environment it creates absolutely magical. My passion and life’s work has been working with children who are in positions of having to overcome obstacles, whether that is a disability that affects learning, health problems, physical disabilities or other issues that result in inequity. While attending Chapman University in Orange, CA for Movement & Exercise Science, I worked as a physical therapy aide at Mission Hospital. There I quickly realized how much I enjoyed working in the pediatric unit, helping youth regain their strength and mobility. I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Special Education where I could make a difference in the life of children who needed a champion in helping them learn strategies to reach their full potential. Volunteering with MOC combines my love of music with my life’s purpose to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families who are faced with challenges.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? The opportunity to do something unexpected in the hospital setting is what makes MOC so special. Introducing the musicians to the patients and families is a really good time. The nurses and doctors are just as deserving of a couple minutes of this unexpected experience. I get a kick out of seeing them singing along and grooving to the music.
Has your life changed because of your experience with Musicians On Call? My experience with MOC always reinforces my commitment to children and their families. I have met the most wonderful people in the volunteer office. The musicians are absolutely inspirational.
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? Upon entering a patient room and introducing myself and MOC, the mom said that her son was in the bathtub, so they would pass on the opportunity for a song. As I was closing the door, I heard a voice yelling, “I want to hear the music!”. The mom stopped us and invited us in. Her son insisted and was excited about a musician playing. The dad was in the bathroom with the son and they cracked the door open enough for the young man to see and meet Steve, the musician. Steve did not miss a beat, and began playing his guitar and singing a rousing rendition of “Splish, Splash, I was Taking a Bath”, much to the delight of the patient and family. I doubt the young man had ever heard of the song but the parents knew it! A moment of joy, fun and silliness to take everyone’s mind of the situation for a couple of minutes. Priceless!
