Hamra Named Cancer Institute Volunteer of the Year

Oct. 24, 2008 | Carolyn Hamra may not expect recognition for her thousands of volunteers hours, but she certainly deserves it.

Hamra was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award on Oct. 23 by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). She has been a volunteer at the Cancer Institute for almost 12 years, has served on the Auxiliary board and spends every Tuesday afternoon working in the Auxiliary-run gift shop.

“Carolyn is lovely to know and work with, and she is wonderful with our patients and caregivers,” said Janie Lowe, director of volunteer services at the Cancer Institute. “She is so kind and sweet and is a natural at interacting with our patients.” This year, Hamra donated 185 volunteer hours to the Auxiliary, and since 1989 she has volunteered more than 2,000 hours.

The award was presented at the Auxiliary’s fall meeting held at member Stuart Cobb’s home. It was given in memory of longtime volunteer the late Ann Loomis.

The Cancer Institute Auxiliary has almost 600 members, more than half of whom volunteer on a regular basis in the waiting areas and gift shop or help with special events throughout the year.

Auxiliary fundraisers brought in about $230,000 in 2007 that was distributed as grants benefiting cancer patients at the Cancer Institute and in northwest Arkansas.

Martha Chisenhall is Auxiliary president.