06 Feb Volunteer Series – Michael Lollich

All of our volunteers are dedicated to creating a true Home-Away-From-Home for our families and Michael Lollich is no different. After 50 years in health care, Michael started volunteering at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Renown Regional Medical Center.

“I didn’t want to not volunteer and if I’m going to volunteer, I’d like to give my time to something health related,” said Michael.

Not only has he found his place in a health-related capacity, he has helped to make a difference for families with children in the hospital going through a troubling time.

“Often times [families] just want to come in and be quiet and not be disturbed,” he said. “Other times they do want to talk, occasionally they want to talk a lot and you just have to be open to what their interests and needs are.”

Volunteers at the Family Room saw over 5,000 people in 2017 and have helped to make families feel as comfortable as possible. Parents with children in the hospital can stop in for a quick snack or use the sleep room to recover from a sleepless night.

“I’m there to meet their needs, answer their questions, help them find things they’re looking for and mostly just create… a calm and nurturing environment for them,” said Michael.

Family Room volunteers are vital to helping families feel as though they have a true respite from doctor appointments by making personal connections with them.

“I’m helping to create a calm secure presence for people who use the room or are looking for direction or guidance, literally and figuratively,” he said.

Michael said that he feels as though he has become a part of the family and we treasure him as a member. Without our dedicated volunteers, we would not be able to serve as many families as we do every year and you can help to make an impact as well!

Head to our website if you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer with either the Reno House or the Family Room to help make a difference.