Volunteering Good Medicine for the Heart and Soul

Aug 30, 2011
Karen Swedenborg
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Volunteering tuned out to be good medicine


for the heart and soul!   


Marilyn Frontera has been a volunteer with Boca Helping Hands since 2008. She started out helping in the kitchen area and then helped in rotating stock used in the Food Center. She moved on the warehouse where, because of her organizational abilities, she helps Walter (Dalickas, the Volunteer Warehouse Manager) in keeping everything in order. Marilyn has been an inspiration to all who know her. 


Marilyn credits Joan (Sappenfield, BHH Volunteer Coordinator) with getting her to the doctor. Marilyn was in kidney failure when she went into the hospital. On December 30, 2010 Marilyn was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She has been fighting ever since with a positive attitude and surrounding herself with loving and supportive people. When asked, Marilyn said, “This (BHH) is my first family not my second. I am so appreciative of the people here. There aren’t enough words to describe them. Bozena came to see me in the hospital every day. Many loving friends came out the woodwork to support me in every aspect of my care including rides, and shopping. While in Tampa, before my stem cell transplant, I was sent a suitcase from Leonard and the Monday Crew, via Jim (Gavrilos), with lots of fun stuff. I told Leonard when I returned to Boca Helping Hands I will be the Bald Headed Knee Sock Queen.”


True to her word Marilyn is back and busy “working” again in our warehouse. She expects to go back for a second transplant in mid October and expects a replay! (Of all good things) She hopes to “working” here for a long time! Volunteering tuned out to be good medicine for the heart and soul!


If you have about the procedure of The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Marilyn is glad to answer any questions.

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