Volunteers ready to help out in community health care

When Anne Gioia's young daughter, Katherine, lost her battle with cancer 18 years ago, the former teacher embarked on a crusade to save lives.

"I knew that this was not something that would end and cancer would continue to strike other people. I just felt that I wanted to make a difference," the American philanthropist told the media.

Her aim was to set up a community-wide volunteer organisation to help out at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the century-old western New York centre where Ms Gioia's daughter received treatment.

"When you see children dealing with cancer you have to do something to help and make the path easier for other families and, with some luck, raise enough money to help find a cure," she said, adding that research money is not easy to come by.

Together with her sister-in-law - Donna Gioia - the mother founded the Roswell Park Alliance to raise funds for one of the oldest comprehensive cancer centres in the US and also boost public awareness about the institute.

And the Gioia family's influence in volunteering did not stop in Buffalo but also crossed the Atlantic and left its mark in Malta. Back in 2002, Donna Gioia - the wife of then US Ambassador to Malta Anthony Gioia - helped raise awareness about the value of volunteering.

"They are the face of the hospital and they set the tone. They are really very special people," she said yesterday during the first anniversary celebration of VolServ, which offers structured voluntary services at hospital and now intends to move into the community.

In fact, an assessment of the needs in the community is already being carried out by VolServ, a partnership between SOS Malta's Malta Resource Centre and the Health Ministry. And SOS Malta director Claudia Taylor East said pilot projects are expected to be launched this year.

"We want a comprehensive, holistic structure for patients in Malta," she said, expressing her hope that this venture will attract more volunteers to give a hand within the community.

VolServ has already more than tripled over the past year. It kicked off with 40 volunteers in April last year, rising to about 70 in November and now to 140.

Joe Cassar, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, deemed the volunteers "essential" for the migration to Mater Dei Hospital last November.

"They give an essential service to the department. They care, they give time and smile - a human face in a moment of need," he said of the volunteers. "I think our challenge should be to double the number every year."

"There is nothing better than leaving a place and feel that you have given something," the former ambassador's wife said in a voice charged with emotion.