Meet Joe Saunders, Our Featured Volunteer from Wilmington!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? Christanna Care Wilmington
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? 4+years
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Guide
What is your occupation outside of MOC? “Retired Healthcare Executive”
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? “Having worked in healthcare for over 40 years, I understand how an interlude in the day of the patients and staff impacts their mood and outlook. Nothing I’ve ever experienced lifts folks up like music.”
Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? “Yes, I leave the MOC experience with a big injection of POSITIVE.”
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? “One evening I entered a patient’s room and saw an elderly patient and 4 /5 visitors standing next to her bed. I identified myself, told them I was a volunteer with MOC and asked if they’d like a song. They all answered that the patient was in her 90s and was a member of their choir for 50 yrs. They said they and she would love a song. They asked the performer if he knew any gospel music, he asked do you know Oh Happy Day. They all said yes. He stared, they joined in, the patient started to bob her head, move her feet. Other visitors and staff started to stand outside the room and sing. Other members of her choir got off the elevator and joined in. We did the song again! After the song, everyone clapped and many hugged each other. It doesn’t get any better!“
