Photos added:GRMC Auxiliary celebrates 50th anniversary at event 102819

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Marilyn McCracken, Gila Regional Medical Center Auxiliary president, said she is asked what the auxiliary does. "We provide small items that departments of the hospital need. We donated a blood warmer, so transfusions don't go in cold. We donated stretchers for EMS."

"The hospital is a great place to volunteer," McCracken said. "The staff makes us feel welcome. Auxilians provide at least one four-hour shift a week, and often many more."

She said in October 1969, 35 volunteers got together to discuss the possibility of creating an organization to do things that staff didn't have time to do.

"The rules and regulations have changed things over the years," McCracken said. "We used to be able to cuddle babies. No longer. Plus, we used to have young people being Candy Stripers. They aren't allowed any longer either."

GRMC Chief Executive Officer Taffy Arias said the auxilians are invaluable to the hospital. "They help those who are afraid. They provide love and compassion to patients and their families. They exhibit one smile at a time; one hug at a time and one handshake at a time."

Board of Trustees Chairman Tony Trujillo said: "You are everyone's first contact when we enter the hospital. It's what sets the tone for the rest of us. I thank you. We appreciate you as part of our hospital."

Trustee Ed Wilmot said: "You guys do a fabulous job."

Trujillo said one of the best things the auxilians to is raise money for scholarships for students. He presented a scholarship to Kyle Limke, who was unable to attend the recent board meeting where scholarships were presented.

"This scholarship has helped me in my education," Limke said, as he accepted it.

Auxilian Frances Day, past president, recognized Frances Leticia Obar, who is the longest working auxilian and was a Candy Striper in 1969.

"What else happened in 1969?" Day asked and answered. "Apollo 11 was launched. Smokey Bear was 25 years old. Bread cost 22 cents a loaf; a dozen eggs cost $1.10, and a new car abut $2400. It cost about $70 per day in the hospital. We watched the moon landing on TV. On September 29, 35 people met to discuss creating an auxiliary to support hospital staff. Molly Czerny was our first president. The auxiliary began volunteering in the hospital in early December. Candy Stripers began in the early 1970s. Our first fundraiser was a Valentine's Day tea, which raised $207. Over the years, we have purchased equipment for the hospital and provided scholarships. In 1971, we purchased two beds. In 1972, it cost $2400 for four beds in the ICU. We've bought monitors, IV poles, baby scales and incubators. In 2000, we donated $10,000 to the Cancer Center. We've donated splints, stretchers, pediatric supplies, a VCR, baby car seats, and every year we honor the first baby of the year. We have a senior food insecurity project. We buy Corre Caminos tickets for people We offer meals to cancer patients. For 50 years, if there was a need, we've tried to find a way to meet it.

"Yes, the rules have changed," Day agreed. "In 1994, we served in 30 areas of the hospital. Now we work at the gift shop, in the emergency department, at the front desk, at the surgery center and the cancer center. We converted medical records to digital formal. Then, as now, the patients come first. We provide essential services. Today we maintain a book cart. One thing that has not changed is answering: 'How do I find the third floor.' We are an organization that stands in the footsteps of 50 years of predecessors. In 2007, we were at our peak of 187 members. Many later joined the hospital as staff. Today the cost of a one-day stay in the hospital is $4,914. The cost has risen."

She said the total estimate of how many hours the auxilians put in at the hospital last year was 110,000 hours of time. That is equivalent to $276,080 of volunteer time. "Our opportunity to serve continues to bring joy to our lives. Congratulations on 50 years. I want to thank the gift of all my fellow auxilians."

McCracken read a proclamation that Rep. Rebecca Dow sent from the New Mexico House of Representatives congratulating the Auxiliary on its 50th anniversary. "We hope the community at large realizes that Gila Regional is the No. 1 great place to volunteer."

The Auxiliary is always looking for volunteers and encourages anyone to apply.