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 - Stephen and Susan Spearing. 

Where do you live (city/area)?

We currently reside in North Canton after living 25 years in Perry Township. Since we are retired, we began watching our grandkids a couple of days a week “professionally.” We decided to live closer to them.

When did you begin volunteering at Aultman Health Foundation?

We began volunteering in June 2017.

In what department do you volunteer?

We volunteer in the Cancer Center and the third floor Infusion Center. Every Friday morning, we push the hospitality cart through the areas to offer complimentary refreshments to the patients. The cart goes to these areas twice a day around 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How did you decide to be a volunteer?

A couple of years ago, I (Stephen) was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I was going through treatment, and I had an experience at Aultman that I felt could have been handled differently. I wrote a letter to Administration sharing my experience and my ideas for improving patient experience. That letter led to conversations, which led to joining the Oncology Advisory Council as a patient advocate. Part of my role as a member of the council included a volunteer requirement. Susan and I chose to volunteer in the area that had been so vital to us through my treatments – the Cancer Center.

What do you like best about volunteering?

We interact with folks that have very heavy hearts – their family members are receiving treatment for cancer. We’ve been in their shoes. Since we volunteer as a team, we find that we can share our personal experiences or just lend a listening ear. I (Susan) am able to give support to the family member; my husband, a cancer survivor, can talk to visitors from a patient’s perspective.

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

Born in Pennsylvania, we LOVE everything Penn State! Steve likes golfing and we both cherish watching our three young grandkids. We also spend time riding our bikes on the trails throughout Stark and Summit County. I (Susan) also enjoy attending WEX (Women’s Exchange), a Bible and book study group at our church – Church of the Lakes.

Tell us about your loved ones (parents, spouse, children, grandchildren).

We have two daughters. Our daughter, Kim, lives in North Canton with three of our grandkids, Peyton, Luna and Norah. Our other daughter, Tracey, is deceased. Her daughter – our older granddaughter Erica – lives in Texas with her husband, Bob.

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

I (Stephen) am currently writing a book describing my pathway through cancer. It’s an ugly disease and after being diagnosed, I realized that there weren’t any guide books to prepare me for the road I was beginning to travel. I had a rare form of cancer, and only 18 percent of those diagnosed survive longer than five years.  With those statistics, it leaves little time for a survivor to even think about writing a book, but I’m doing it!

I worked my entire life in the radiology field helping discover and treat cancer in patients. Never in my life did I imagine that I would be on this side of the table. I learned the facts that I did not know previously as I began walking in a cancer patient’s shoes. I’m so appreciative of the physicians and staff who have been shining examples of the quality health care that we take for granted in this country. Without them and the support of my loving wife, family, friends and church, I wouldn’t be here today.