REM Award Honorees (2018) — Neal Caron (Inland Hospital)
If you’ve ever been to Inland, you’ve probably been helped by Neal Caron or have been greeted by him at the Welcome Desk. Neal began volunteering at Inland four years ago and has always been engaged in and supportive of our special culture, which focuses on putting patients first in every way.
Neal has a friendly personality, is quick witted, and willing to do anything to help. He likes putting patients at ease especially if they are not sure where to go, and enjoys supporting staff in any way he can. Neal’s giving nature and love of people has led him to volunteer not only here but at Togus and Thayer.
A former corpsman in the US Navy for eight years, Neal also worked as a phlebotomist for 17 years at Togus as well as a mental health worker at AMHI. Local to the area, he and his wife, Karen enjoy being outside bird watching, walking, and traveling. Although humble about his ability, Neal is a talented artist and has displayed his work at Inland’s Healing Art Gallery. He also loves to read and write poetry.
Quick to smile and crack a joke, Neal says he volunteers because “[m]aking a difference for both the patients and staff makes me feel great. Volunteering at Inland is wonderful. The staff is great and kind. It’s nice to know I might have made someone’s day easier or better and maybe brought a smile to someone’s face. An act of kindness goes a long way.”
This is Neal in a nutshell — giving and kind with a humble, servant heart. We can’t thank him enough for your service to Inland and our community!
To volunteer at Inland, contact Maggie Simpson at 861-3325 or visit the Northern Light Inland Hospital website.