As National Volunteer Month shines a spotlight on service across the country, Volunteers in Medicine, Clinic of the Cascades (VIM Cascades) proudly joins the celebration by recognizing the extraordinary individuals who power its mission to improve the health and wellness of the medically uninsured or critically underserved through the engagement of professionals, community partners, and dedicated volunteers.
A Legacy of Compassionate Service:
In 2024, VIM Cascades’ volunteers donated over 10,460 hours of care, offering medical visits, prescriptions, mental health, interpretation, and hope to Central Oregon neighbors in need. This April, the clinic honors those who have reached remarkable milestones, including:
- 20 Years of Service: John Corso, MD; Becky Kierulff; Steve Knapp, MD; and Marianne Lebre
Two decades of unwavering commitment have made these volunteers the backbone of VIM Cascades’ patient care. Their names will soon be added to our commemorative 20 Years of Service plaque in VIM Cascades’ lobby, alongside other dedicated 20-Year volunteers.
- 4,000+ Hours Served: Pam Cheeney, RN
Pam’s inspiring 4,000+ hours of service reflect a lifetime of generosity, touching countless lives.
Honoring Extraordinary Commitment:
VIM Cascades extends its deepest gratitude to all volunteers, with special recognition for those reaching these significant milestones this year:
15 Years of Service:
- Judy Alford
- Dee Dee Burke, RN
10 Years of Service:
- Kurt Barker
- Pam Cheeney, RN
- Karlyn Hetzler
5 Years of Service:
- Nancy Cashwell
- Lynda Hathorn
- Art Lim
- Susan Middleton, LCSW
- Sallie Neillie
- Marilou Smith
- Brenda Tiernan, RN
- Maria Vergotti, RN
Outstanding Hour Milestones:
- 3,000 Hours: Mary Lefevre, PharmD
- 2,500 Hours: Deb Malone, WHCNP; Addie Finseth
- 2,000 Hours: Jeff Walkup
- 1,500 Hours: Deirdre Nauman, RN
- 1,000 Hours: Karen Brozovich, RN; Cheryl Hadley, MD; Micaela Hayden, RN; Maria Vergotti, RN
- 500 Hours: Josée Brandstetter, RN; Sherry Kroeger; Susan Middleton, LCSW; Marilou Smith
- 250 Hours: Cindy Beard, RN; Leslie Colip, MD; Nancy Martinez; Brandi Minium, CPHT; Katie Petersen, RN; Sue Shears, PA; Celeste Steece
- 100 Hours: Mark Baskerville, MD; Lee Chamberlain, FNP; Bob Faber; Katie LaHusen, PA; John Letovsky, MD; Art Lim; Roman Matejsek; Bruce McLellan, MD; Austin Nichols; Julie Scott, RPH; E. Laurence Spencer-Smith, MD; Scott Stevens, MD; Dustin Stilwell; Amber Thacher
Volunteers: The Heartbeat of Healthcare Access
“As our name says, volunteers are at the core of everything we do,” said Kat Mastrangelo, Executive Director at VIM Cascades. “This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re reminded that without their expertise and compassion, thousands of our neighbors would struggle or be unable to access healthcare. Their time isn’t just a gift—it’s a lifeline.”
Join Us in Making a Difference:
National Volunteer Appreciation Month is the perfect time to join VIM Cascades’ mission. Whether you’re a medical professional or a community supporter, your skills can change lives. “At VIM Cascades, we’re here because we want to be. The patients are wonderful and so grateful. They get the care they need and not in a rushed manner.” — Brenda Tiernan, RN nurse volunteer.
Learn how to get involved at www.vim-cascades.org/volunteer.