Jun 19, 2017
Greenslopes Private Hospital Volunteer Monica Rider shares what inspires her to support GMRF and spread the word on the importance of medical research.
One of our wonderful volunteers, Ms Monica Rider
We all need to have a purpose in life – Ms Monica Rider
Since leaving full-time employment, Monica has become a care volunteer at Greenslopes Private Hospital, visiting patients and offering books and magazines and a cuppa for their visitors. She also works as a volunteer with Look Good Feel Better, a program that helps to improve the well-being and confidence of people undergoing treatment for cancer.
In 2014, Monica responded to a call for volunteers for GMRF to contact donors to update their information etc. We soon realised that Monica had a genuine warmth, care and passion in dealing with our donors and we asked her to help with our Gallipoli Centenary Ball in 2015. She embraced the opportunity to support the foundation. She covered the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast over an 8-month period and was able to secure thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Many of the businesses required further follow-up so Monica created and managed a colour-coded spreadsheet.
Sadly, Monica lost her husband to cancer in late 1998. He always hoped there would be a cure for him, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.
While working with the staff at GMRF, Monica realised the importance of research. On Valentine’s Day 2014 she made a Discovery Partner donation in his memory, keeping his name alive on the perpetual board at the hospital.
Support to the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation allows us to reach for bigger goals in our quest for new treatments and breakthroughs. Click here to find out how you can support the Foundation today