As the daughter of a chief radiologist at a local hospital, Patricia Pratt grew up around the medical field. When she decided she’d like to give back to her community, helping at a hospital was a natural fit.

Pat first reached out to Aultman Hospital in 2008 to volunteer in radiology, ultimately serving at the hospital for 11 years. In 2012, she also became an Aultman Hospice volunteer, visiting patients in their homes. She held that role until 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pat sewed and donated face masks to help mitigate a shortage.

In 2024, she began volunteering in Aultman Orrville Hospital’s front lobby. In her role, Pat helps patients sign in, walks patients and visitors to their destinations in the hospital, delivers mail and other items to various departments and serves in the lobby gift shop.

Pat is assigned to a four-hour afternoon shift with her volunteer partner, Mike. The role keeps her active.

“It is usually busy by the time we come in,” she said. “Sometimes there is a lot of running. We try to be aware of what’s happening in our area and ensure that the patients who are waiting feel cared for.”

Her favorite aspect of volunteering is meeting people. “I love talking with patients and helping to put them at ease,” Pat said. “I have also enjoyed getting to know the staff, who are great! I have formed lasting relationships with my Aultman colleagues.”

Outside of volunteering, Pat is an avid reader, especially of historical fiction. Gardening is a favorite pastime, too. Pat and her husband Jerry have a large vegetable garden at their home in southwest Massillon. She also enjoys tending to their colorful flower beds.

Pat is a writer at heart. In addition to serving as a reporter for the school newspaper when she was young, Pat has written poems and short stories.

Pat and Jerry, who have been married for 57 years, have two adult children and two granddaughters. Pet cats Tinker and Midnight round out the family.