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Answering the call

By the Editorial Board

Published: April 22, 2009

Vermel Moore, Juanita Harris and Aileen Clanton didn't seek out special recognition and certainly didn't ask to be featured in an article on the front page of Monday's R&L.

But they deserved every bit of it and more. And they're not alone.

They were among 60 volunteers recognized during a luncheon by Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County for their exemplary service to the nonprofit and this community.

Volunteers account for more than 15 percent of the service hours logged by Hospice, providing immeasurable care and comfort to patients struggling with cancer and other terminal conditions when traditional treatments have been exhausted.

Because of their efforts, Hospice is able to provide quality end-of-life care to terminal patients and their families at little or no cost.

Harris exemplified the selflessness of Hospice volunteers when she said it was a privilege to be associated with the nonprofit and the families it serves because of the "beautiful" people she has met.

We're sure that sentiment is shared by those who come in contact with Hospice volunteers in most cases.

These dedicated Hospice volunteers are one of the many reasons that our community is such a special place. We thank them for their service — and their humanity. May we all learn from their examples.