Name: Patricia “Pat” Horvath
Occupation: Retired
Hometown: Originally, Cleveland, Ohio; now, my husband and I live in Tucker, Ga.
Please describe yourself in one sentence. I am a Catholic Christian who believes in joyful service to my Lord by serving those around me.
When did you first hear about MedShare? I worked at Emory Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center. Beginning about ten years ago, I was the designated person who went to the sterile area to pick up the MedShare bag for the driver when he stopped at our location.
How long have you been volunteering at MedShare? My husband and I retired in spring of 2005 and we began volunteering soon thereafter.
What inspired you to get involved? I have always done volunteer work. Currently, I do volunteer work at the USO and the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. I help with “Altar Care” at church. I help to maintain an old cemetery. I am an associate member of the Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, Jamaica, who serve the poorest of the poor, and I take MedShare medical supplies when I go there on a “mission trip”. While I was working at Emory Clinic, I learned about MedShare and said I would add MedShare to my volunteer schedule when I retired. And, that is what I did. My husband simply joined me and has really enjoyed the work, too.
What is it that motivates you to keep volunteering at MedShare? I believed in the mission to use discarded medical supplies to help people in third world countries. I still do believe in the mission, but now I can look to all the positive, unintended consequences for additional encouragement, such as: recycling of plastics and cardboard, working with wonderful volunteers, staff, and supervisors, recycling the medical supplies and thus saving space in the landfills, to name a few.
Have you been involved with MedShare in other ways besides sorting supplies? If so, please explain. Yes, I have attended an information day at Ga Tech and staffed a table on behalf of MedShare. I have done similar table staffing at a church program aimed at teaching their people about volunteer opportunities in the area. Also, I have assisted a team of volunteers and staff who re-organized the Medical Mission Team Store.
What has been your favorite MedShare moment or story during your time serving with us? One of our volunteers, Eve, is 92 years old. The very fact that she can join us and can be helpful is impressive to me. When she was 90 years old, we had a birthday cake and party to celebrate with her. MedShare is for just about anyone who is willing to work. In addition to Eve, I am privileged to work with the Shepherd Spinal Center’s Pathways program. Besides assisting these willing workers, I really enjoy them and rejoice when they are “graduating” from the out patient program.
