Matt Wurtz & John Bratu

It is not unusual for a teenager to volunteer at a hospital, nor is it unusual for a retiree to serve as a hospital volunteer. However, it is unusual for a teen to recruit his grandfather to join him in offering his services at the same medical center where he is volunteering. Matt Wurz of Des Plaines picked up an application for his grandfather, John Bratu, and told him, “Papa, they sure could use you at the hospital.” It didn't take much coaxing for Bratu to agree, and so the Volunteer Dept. at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge gained the services of a grandfather/grandson volunteer team. Following the death of his great uncle who was a patient at ALGH, Wurz decided to volunteer there because he wanted to do something that would have made his uncle proud, and that would also help others. Volunteering has also solidified his decision to do something in the medical field as a career. He said that, for him, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is, “seeing a smile on someone's face, because when I make someone smile, I know that I have done my job.” Magda Scanlan, Manager of Volunteer Services, said, “Matt and John are the only grandfather and grandson with us at the present time. Both are extremely dedicated, hard working, and extremely pleasant to be around. We love having them with us.”

Wurz has been volunteering at ALGH for almost three years. He is assigned to the gift shop where he works as a cashier, stocks shelves, and makes deliveries to patient rooms. He also fills in at the information desk when needed where he answers phones and assists visitors by giving out directions and patient room numbers. Now that he is 16, Wurz is permitted to work in the pediatric unit, and he has started coming in for an additional day to play games, visit, and read to the younger patients. Volunteer Coordinator, Georgia Paschos, describes him as being, “caring, mature, hard working and responsible.”

Wurz resides in Des Plaines with his Mom, Donna; his dad, Norman; and their two dogs, Ginger and Aggie. He is a junior at Elk Grove Village High School, and just returned from a school trip to France. In his spare time he enjoys his grandmother's home-cooked meals, hanging out with friends, tennis, reading (especially learning about new medical findings), and is treasurer of his Science Olympiad Club. His plans for the future include attending Loyola University, University of Chicago, or Northwestern University to study pre-med.

Prior to his retirement, Bratu was employed as a salesman for Continental Can Co. He has been volunteering at ALGH for about ten months, and is assigned to the Escort Services Department. His responsibilities include seeing that patients who are being released from the hospital arrive safely at their discharge destination.

Bratu enjoys his assignment, and commented that, “the people are wonderful.” His philosophy is, “to help wherever I can, to try to leave things better than the way I found them, and to keep a positive attitude.” When asked what he enjoyed most about volunteering he replied, “I have been retired for quite some time, and spent my days watching TV, and reading. At the end of the day I didn't feel I accomplished anything that brought me self-satisfaction, but volunteering gives me a good feeling that I am helping those less fortunate and giving back to the community. That makes me feel good about myself.” To others who are considering volunteering his advice is, “stop thinking about it and go out and do it! Your community will benefit; you will feel good about yourself, and you will meet a lot of wonderful people.”

Bratu and his wife, Sissy, moved to Mount Prospect eight years ago from the Jefferson Park area of Chicago. They recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, and are the parents of four daughters. Bratu is enjoying his retirement, and enjoys reading, dinners out with his wife, his volunteer work, and tending his garden.

To find out more about the hundreds of challenging and rewarding volunteer assignments that are available for individuals, families and groups of all ages contact The Volunteer Center of NW Suburban Chicago at 847-228-1320, or the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (mature seniors 55 years of age or better) at 847-228-1006, or check their website at www.volunteerinfo.net. Training is provided, and the rewards are priceless.

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