John Stahl's heart brought him to Denver Health, and it's at Denver Health his heart will stay.

The longtime volunteer and stalwart of the hospital received the inaugural John Stahl Heart of Denver Health Award at last week’s volunteer appreciation luncheon in Pavilion C. Volunteer Services Coordinator Grace Ray and her predecessor, Liz Matthews, created the namesake award after Stahl’s recent hospitalization brought the two together. The award will be given out annually to a volunteer who embodies Stahl’s warmth, dedication and compassion.

For 15 years, Sue Gomez, a 78-year-old spiritual care volunteer, has been a steadfast presence at Denver Health, braving rain and snow to offer solace and support to patients in need. A former nurse and current Catholic Eucharistic minister, Gomez felt a profound calling to uplift those suffering by delivering communion to Catholic patients and offering prayers to anyone seeking comfort.

As a Hispanic Honor Society student, Jazmine Hernandez wanted to find a volunteer opportunity that allowed her to use her bilingual skills as she explored her interest in the medical field. After joining Denver Health as a volunteer pathfinder, Hernandez called upon her early “training” – babysitting and entertaining her younger brothers – to volunteer in the inpatient pediatrics unit.

Like most Denver Health volunteers, Don Rigot and Olcott Pinkston started their service as “pathfinders,” helping patients and visitors navigate our busy campus. Unlike most volunteers, they always work as a pair.

You can find Rigot, 70, and Pinkston, 71, helping new patients, and greeting the regular visitors by name, every Wednesday afternoon in the Outpatient Medical Center.

“The goal,” Rigot said, “is to have as many patient interactions as possible and to help as many people as possible. … You meet all kinds of interesting people from all walks of life.”

Over the past nine years, Eric Hoff and his dog Remy have achieved celebrity status at Denver Health. From hand decorated patient signs requesting visits in the Acute Center for Eating Disorders to the homemade dog-friendly birthday cakes made by the staff in the MICU, it is clear everyone knows and loves Remy.

After nearly 800 shifts, this pet therapy team has brought comfort and joy to thousands of patients and staff members. For his service and dedication, Remy was recently awarded the highest designation by the American Kennel Club, Pet Therapy Dog Supreme.

Of the around 200 treasured volunteers every year at Denver Health, few have had as great an impact on our patients and staff as John Stahl. The 80-year-old retiree celebrated a momentous birthday at a gathering in Pavilion C organized by colleagues last month.

Bill Cudmore is one of the most recognizable faces at Denver Health. When you hear the 69-year-old hospital volunteer's story, you'll understand why he said it's so important for him to give back.