Shriner Stays Young with Volunteer Work

Being 94 years old doesn’t mean Cheviot, Ohio resident Jack Abel is slowing down. In fact, he’s kept his volunteer commitment to Shriners Hospitals for Children —Cincinnati for more than 20 years and has no intention of stopping.

“I really enjoy working with the people here at the hospital,” said Abel, who has been a member of Syrian Shriners in Cincinnati for more than 45 years and a volunteer at the hospital since 1991. “It keeps me young and active. I never miss a day!”

As a volunteer, Abel rides with a hospital driver, helping to bring children to the hospital for outpatient treatment and admissions, and volunteers in the outpatient clinic, placing identification labels on medical charts.

“I became interested in volunteering at the hospital when my cousin began volunteering there and told me how much he got out of it,” said Abel. “My favorite part about volunteering at Shriners Hospitals is getting to see the children and working along side the friendly staff. I believe my cousin was right; it is a very rewarding place to volunteer.”

The staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Cincinnati enjoys working with Abel and appreciates his help. “Jack is dedicated and loves being around the staff and the patients,” said Cindy Foote, R.N., a nurse in the outpatient clinic. “He is willing to help us out in any way that he can.”

Abel recently celebrated his 94th birthday with the hospital staff. The clinic staff threw him a birthday celebration complete with cake, balloons and a lot of candles!