CarolinaEast Honors 29-Year Volunteer Jack Boyette at 97
UPDATE: CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern just celebrated the remarkable 29-year volunteer service of Jack Boyette, who continues to inspire at the age of 97. This significant milestone, marked on Wednesday, highlights Boyette’s enduring commitment to patient care and community service.
Boyette, who has dedicated nearly three decades to welcoming visitors and assisting with patient check-ins, expressed that volunteering keeps him active and engaged. “What I love is the fact that you’re busy, you don’t have time to stop and think,” he shared during the celebration. His passion for volunteering began earlier in life, transporting children to hospitals before transitioning to CarolinaEast at the age of 80.
His philosophy of helping others resonates deeply. “I think I have become a better person over the years by volunteering,” Boyette stated. He encourages others to consider volunteering to enrich their lives as well. “That’s part of my goal is to become a better person.”
Fellow volunteers like Jeff Opel, who has been with CarolinaEast for four years, praised Boyette’s dedication. “He’s a typical volunteer. He’s here because it gives him joy to help people,” Opel noted, emphasizing the importance of community support in healthcare settings. Opel also remarked on Boyette’s incredible achievement of nearly three decades of service, calling it a “tremendous accomplishment.”
Volunteer Carol Gehlert, who has been involved for eight years, echoed the sentiment of creating a positive environment for patients. “Sometimes patients are down when they come in and I try to make them happy,” she explained. Gehlert highlighted Boyette’s consistent presence and cheerful demeanor at the hospital, stating, “I’ll be here for a long time,” inspired by his example.
As the community rallies around Boyette’s inspiring legacy, CarolinaEast Medical Center sets an example of the vital role volunteers play in enhancing patient experiences. Boyette’s story serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have through selfless service.
This celebration not only honors Boyette but also shines a light on the collective efforts of all volunteers at CarolinaEast. As Boyette humbly noted, “I feel that this is not just for me. It’s for all the volunteers.”
With stories like Boyette’s, CarolinaEast continues to exemplify the spirit of community and compassion. For those looking to make a difference, the call to volunteer remains strong, and Boyette’s journey demonstrates the profound personal growth that accompanies such a commitment.
