Volunteer Spotlight: Patricia's Heart for Helping Families

When Patricia first learned about Better2gether through her best friend, she was immediately inspired.

"I was so encouraged to know there was help out there for families who truly need it," she shares. "The fact that Better2gether is a nonprofit made me want to volunteer and support the mission."

What resonates with Patricia most is the organization's commitment to meeting families where they are—with compassion and without judgment.

"I love the message of no judgment," she says. "If a family needs assistance, it's their ask, and Better2gether does its best to get that family what they need."

As a volunteer, Patricia has witnessed something that continues to inspire her every time she serves.

"In what I would consider an extreme medical and physical diagnosis, you see families smiling, laughing, and simply wanting the best for their child, no matter what."

One of her favorite memories is volunteering at the Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Run.

"What a blast! The children, families, and Better2gether staff all get into the spirit by dressing up. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they showed off their costumes and enjoyed being around other kids—it was such a wonderful day."

Volunteering has also changed Patricia in meaningful ways.

"It has opened my eyes to humanity. When faced with incredibly difficult situations, these families show so much resilience and love. That has definitely rubbed off on me."

She hopes more people understand that families of children with medical complexity want the same things every family wants.

"They just want their children to have friendships, childhood experiences, and to grow up feeling loved and accepted."

For anyone thinking about getting involved, Patricia has a simple message:

"Just do it! There are so many ways to volunteer. Even if you can't make it to an in-person event, do what you can. These families deserve it, and they are so grateful to feel the support."

When she's not volunteering, Patricia enjoys spending time with family, sharing a good laugh, getting lost in a great book, taking walks on the beach, and continuing her lifelong passion for early childhood education and advocating for children.

Thank you, Patricia, for sharing your time, compassion, and heart with Better2gether. Volunteers like you remind our families that they are never navigating their journey alone.