Pat Rowell, Director of Volunteer Services, writes "It is an honor to recognize Joan Epstein for her service as a volunteer to the MGH. Joan began volunteering ten years ago in 1991. She had some free time and would be willing to come into the hospital in the middle of the week. She was thoughtful, interested in our patients, and eager to make a contribution to the MGH. I remember explaining that we had an opening in our Gray Family Surgical Waiting Area, a place where family members and friends wait for news about their loved ones on the day of surgery. The opening, though, was Friday afternoons. Joan looked away for a moment, turned back and said - 'Yes, I can do that shift!'

And for ten years, she has. For ten years Joan has been present to families on Friday afternoons. As folks are getting away for the weekend, Joan has served as an anchor. She has been a liaison to staff in the OR, she has been a detective when caught in a labyrinth of voice mails, and she has been a good neighbor to families when the only business left to do is to "wait for the doctor's phone call." On snowy days she arrives early and packs a bag - just in case. She has made a commitment in good weather and in bad!

In recent years Joan funded a wonderful Boston walking map that hangs in the Gray Family Waiting Area. The map serves to reassure families that they can walk along the Charles River, head over to Copley Square, or stroll along Charles Street … and easily find their way back to the hospital on their long days of waiting. She is faithful and kind and resourceful, and has made a wonderful difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of family members. Thank you, Joan!"