Keeping the faith: Dedicated volunteer celebrates God’s love through service and support

Posted: Monday, September 9, 2024

After her 40-year career at West Covina Unified School District, Carol Dolan learned about volunteering at Emanate Health through auxiliary member Sandra Delahoussaye-Bonds, who she met through the PTA. "I am so blessed God directed me to the hospital," said Carol, whose faith has guided her longtime relationship with Queen of the Valley Hospital (QVH).

FAMILY TIES

The youngest of 11 children, Carol described her upbringing as "idyllic." Originally from Italy, her parents moved their family from Pennsylvania to California in 1958. Just after high school, Carol met her ex-husband Dick during a chance encounter while visiting her sister Betty in Oahu—her first visit to the San Gabriel Valley took place when she met Dick's parents a few months later. After marrying in 1967, the couple settled in West Covina and welcomed a son, Pat, followed by daughters Dawn and Andrea.

Carol's family has several ties to QVH, starting with her father-in-law, Tom, who was a member of the hospital's Men's Club. A retired LA County fire captain, Pat completed his clinical shifts at QVH's emergency department. Additionally, two of Carol's six grandchildren, Erik and Taylor, were born at the hospital. "Queen of the Valley is deep in my roots."

Carol's first volunteer assignment was the front desk, and she later became a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cuddler. "I can't fully explain what God has done through and with me," shared Carol, who now splits her hours between spiritual care, NICU, and the front desk.

BLESSINGS ABOUND

Raised as Catholic, Carol previously did not regard herself as "particularly religious." The tragic passing of her beloved partner Phillip in 2014 shook her faith to the core. It was not until her "life-changing" rededication in the Jordan River during her trip to Israel four years later that she began to feel a personal relationship with God, and it is this relationship to which Carol attributes so much in her life.

As a spiritual care volunteer, Carol visits patients, and—depending on their interest—offers resources, reflections, and prayers. She recalled one patient who initially asked Carol to pray for his mother before breaking down in tears, sharing about his experience with homelessness. "He said he couldn’t believe anyone cared about him or took an interest in him," reflected Carol. "God allows me to be present, and His spirit is what manifests in my soul."

Last year, Carol attended an auxiliary meeting at which plans for the hospital's new Emergency Department-Intensive Care Unit were shared. While viewing the renderings, she was struck by one particular drawing. "God spoke to me very clearly in that moment," said Carol, who has chosen to support the project through her IRA's required minimum distribution. "God has blessed me abundantly," noted Carol, who is naming the treatment room after her family. "It's not for my glory, but to glorify Him."

To learn more about naming opportunities or giving through your IRA like Carol, visit emanatehealthlegacy.org or call 626.814.2421.