Dorina

Each day brings small moments of joy, and a reminder of why I cherish the work here. The laughter echoing down the hallways chasing balloons, the challenge of building the highest tower from Jenga blocks, or competing in a game of dominos. It’s in these moments between doing our tasks that we bond with our patients. While the days quickly pass at the Hope Center some patients remind you to slow down as they carefully tie a bracelet around your wrist. I continue to wear this bracelet made by my patient as a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the little moments of connection through laughter and play. Where there is joy of now, no worries of tomorrow or burdens of yesterday. 

I’ll take a few moments to explain the roles involved as Hope center Facilitator. While we are on shift there are 3 roles that we switch between as facilitators although we remind ourselves we are a team and try to work together. 

Role 1 is in the office and is all about organization and communication. Managing a large patient excel census is a big part of the job, constantly updating so it tracks each patient’s diet, appointment, and other needs. While there are multiple departments on the ship and dock involved in patient care, keeping everyone information requires responding to about ten different team group chats. Beyond tracking updates, this role also involves planning arrivals and discharges, ordering meals and handling countless other logistical details. I have found the importance of being detail oriented but also multi-tasking. 

Role 2 is in charge of kitchen and supply. The Hope center has a small kitchen inside the building for facilitator use. Within this kitchen facilitator on role 2 is involved in preparing meal boxes for our day crew, and assembling breakfast box for night shift staff to distribute to patients at breakfast time. While there is a separate catering team and kitchen just outside the hope center that all patients receive lunch and dinner form. 

In addition the feeding program is managed in this role. When infants come with cleft palate/lip they meet with the dietician to outline how much weight the baby needs to gain before surgery is scheduled. We sterilize baby bottles and provide them with properly measured formula every morning and evening.

Besides food, this role also oversees cleaning supplies, making sure our day crew has everything needed to maintain a clean and safe environment for patients. Putting away orders and knowing what is needed for the following shift. 

Role 3 is the transportation coordinator. At first glance, transportation might seem straightforward, but it’s anything but. This role involves managing three day-crew drivers who shuttle patients to and from appointments on the ship. With schedules constantly shifting, keeping track of changing appointment times and ensuring everyone gets where they need to be requires focus and adaptability. Beyond patient transport, this role also includes supply runs into town, picking up drinking water and other essential items for the Hope Center. Each trip plays a part in keeping daily operations running smoothly.

While each of these roles is distinct, they all share a common purpose: ensuring the best possible care for our patients. Some days we’re behind a computer, other days we’re in the kitchen or out on the road. No matter the role, our work at the Hope Center is driven by a heart to serve.