For 28 years, Carol Simone has been a cheerful guide for visitors and patients at Aultman Hospital. As a guest assistant in the lobby, Carol answers questions and provides directions during her four-hour weekly shift, helping to put people at ease during their time at the hospital.

“Often, people are stressed when they arrive,” she said. “As a volunteer, it’s my role to smile and be pleasant to help them feel comfortable.”

A resident of Perry Township, Carol began volunteering at Aultman in May 1995 to make a difference in others’ lives. “I had always wanted to be a nurse, but I knew that I never could. I thought volunteering would be a good way to help others,” she said. “I just made up my mind to volunteer. I’ve enjoyed my time here, and I’ve been able to help a lot of people over the years.”

In return, Carol found a second family at Aultman: “Tuesdays became my day out, and now I have my hospital friends to join for lunch.”

Carol is happily married to her husband of 60 years. They have two sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren – a 2-year-old and a 6-month-old.

When she’s not volunteering at Aultman, Carol loves to browse secondhand shops, looking for treasures for the whole family. Her best recent discovery was a lavender glass vase, her favorite color. She also spends time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carol highly recommends volunteering: “If you come to Aultman and try volunteering, you will love it. It’s definitely rewarding, and you meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends.”

Most of all, she said, volunteering has helped her develop a new appreciation for life, and she is grateful to be able to help others when they are in need.