Volunteering isn’t just a commitment – for Cathy Warmack and her granddaughter, Eastyn Walker, it’s a family tradition.
For more than 15 years, Cathy has been a dedicated volunteer at Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital, a journey inspired by her own grandmother, who was also deeply committed to helping others. Now, Cathy is passing that same spirit of service onto Eastyn, who has embraced the experience wholeheartedly.
“I always knew I’d volunteer after I retired from teaching,” Cathy recalls. “My grandmother did it, and she instilled that value in me from a young age.”
Cathy has tried her hand in nearly every part of the hospital, from the emergency room to outpatient registration and even the gift shop. For her, the connections she makes with patients are at the heart of her work.
“I loved working in outpatient registration,” she shares. “Walking patients back and talking with them made my day – it’s about brightening someone’s moment, even if just for a little while.”
Originally from a small town in southern Illinois, Cathy’s midwestern values of hard work and service shine in her role. However, she shares that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way she approached her volunteering routine, especially the early hours.
“I realized that starting at 5:30 in the morning wasn’t for me anymore,” she says with a laugh, which led her to find a new home in the gift shop. Here, she continues to bring a welcoming presence to the hospital while keeping a more manageable schedule.
Eastyn’s volunteer journey started early in life as well. Visiting her grandparents each summer, she would tag along with Cathy to the hospital, often at just 7 or 8 years old.
“I loved going with my nana to volunteer when I was younger,” Eastyn shares. “I always told her I wanted to volunteer on my own when I was old enough.”
That special day came this past summer. Eastyn volunteered in many areas with us, and what started as a single day a week became three days as her love for the experience grew.
“My favorite part was meeting all types of people and learning about their many, varied experiences,” Eastyn adds.
Overall, her volunteering experience has made Eastyn even more thankful for her own support system.
“I realized how lucky I am to have a family who loves and cares for me. Not everyone who came into the hospital had that support. It also made me appreciate my family’s good health.”
Looking ahead, Eastyn is already planning to return next summer. Cathy and Eastyn’s story reminds us of the powerful impact of family values, community service and the joy that comes from helping others.
“Volunteering is just something you do,” Cathy says. “It’s about being there when people need a friendly face – and Eastyn and I are both grateful to be that face for others.”
Learn more about our volunteer opportunities. Also, learn about the primary care services we provide at Mercy Health.
