Volunteer Spotlight: Rebecca Mendoza
Mendoza's mother found time to volunteer at the hospital throughout her life, even while juggling the roles of full-time worker and full-time mother to her five children.
"I always admired that about her," Mendoza says. "I remember coming to the hospital with her when I was a little girl. Later in life, I'd always wanted to volunteer like she did -- but I felt I was just too busy."
She started volunteering at the hospital in May, after her mother passed away. "It helps keep her memory alive," Mendoza says.
Giving Babies Love and Care
Mendoza feeds babies, stocks equipment and supplies, and does whatever she can to help staff in the newborn nursery, the intermediate nursery and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Birthing Center of South Texas at McAllen Medical Center.One of her favorite duties as a volunteer? Her role as a "cuddler" for premature NICU babies.
"Sometimes, the babies can be a little bit fussy because they don't feel well," Mendoza says. "Parents can't always be there around the clock because they have other children at home, or they have to work. And nurses may be with other patients. So I fill in. I rock the babies, talk to them and help them feel more comfortable."
Making a Difference
The nurses in the unit say they notice a difference when Mendoza and other volunteers cuddle with the babies. The machines that monitor babies' vital functions show they respond positively to a cuddler's gentle touch.Mendoza volunteers once a week -- and she found that following in her mother's footsteps was more fulfilling than she ever imagined.
"I wish I'd started volunteering sooner," she says. "I'm so grateful I have the opportunity now. Helping babies, even in a small way, is an incredible feeling. It makes me feel that I'm needed."
