Generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure

A helpful guide for transplant patients

On Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m., Mary Ellen Cresci volunteers her time as a Liver Transplant Escort volunteer, to guide tours of the Pacific campus to patients and their families. These particular patients come to CPMC to be evaluated as potential liver transplant recipients and undergo an extensive series of tests and screenings over the course of several days. Mary Ellen eases the patients’ long day by giving an overview of the campus and, when needed, escorting patients to their appointments.

In addition to volunteering as a Liver Transplant Escort, Mary Ellen dedicates an additional two hours in CPMC’s Stanford Building corridor, providing directions to people in search of conference rooms, hospital services and doctors offices.

Appreciated by both patients and families

Mary Ellen began volunteering for CPMC as a Liver Transplant Escort in 2007. As a teenager, Mary Ellen volunteered as a candy striper, working the coffee and magazine cart. Later in life, once she retired, she felt drawn to volunteering again. Mary Ellen says her heart goes out to the patients who are so ill yet trying to navigate through a large medical facility in a new city. She realizes the stress they are under and always tries to focus on helping patients to relax. Both patients and families really appreciate the assistance. “They are always so happy to see the volunteer,” she says.

Because life is precious, we encourage giving to life and a lifetime of giving.