At Aultman, our volunteers are just one of the many groups that have helped us to lead our community to improved health. Today, we'd like to introduce you to two of our dedicated volunteers - Dick and Karen Conde. 

Where do you live (city/area)?

We grew up in Canton and graduated from Malone. For the next 40 years, our schooling and jobs took us to Tucson, Arizona and Cincinnati. After retirement, we made our way back to the area and settled in North Canton.

When did you begin volunteering at Aultman Health Foundation?

We began volunteering at Aultman more than 14 years ago.

In what departments do you volunteer?

I (Karen) work in Infusion Therapy. I file, clean equipment and assist in patient care. I also do wig fittings for our patients.
I (Dick) work in the Main Blood Lab. I retrieve and send specimens through the tube system, clean and put away supplies.
We consider ourselves “working” volunteers – we do whatever is asked to stay busy and active. We work every Wednesday between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.

How did you decide to be a volunteer?

After being away from our hometown for more than 40 years, our goal was to reconnect with the community. We saw a recruiting ad in the newspaper and decided that volunteering would be a good way to get reconnected.

What do you like best about volunteering?

Volunteering did what we hoped it would do – help us reconnect to the community. As a bonus, volunteering gives us a sense of purpose.
Dick: After consistently working with the same employees for 14 years, I have made a connection with the people around me. They appreciate me and always make me feel like a part of the team.
Karen: The nurses and other staff are so appreciative of my help, and I am so thankful to work with such a dedicated team. The patients are facing difficult circumstances, so it can be a hard place to work every day. Interacting with the patients and fitting them for their wigs makes me so grateful for my health. I am happy to help them feel better about what they are facing.

What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering?

Outside of Aultman, we volunteer at the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum and also at our church.

Karen: I play the clarinet and I’m actively involved in two community bands. I also enjoy sewing and knitting.

Dick: I love to do laundry, cook, garden and solve crossword puzzles.

Tell us about your loved ones.

We have a son and a daughter who live in Minnesota and Tennessee. We also have three grandsons, ages 20, 14 and 12.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that many of your friends may not know.

On our 50th anniversary, our entire family joined us on a trip to Spain and Portugal.