At Activate Health, we understand that healthcare isn’t just about services and systems—it’s about people. That’s why we’re celebrating our agency’s 15th anniversary by giving back to the communities that inspire our work every day.
Through our sponsored volunteer program, our team members contribute their time and talents to organizations of their choice and are making a real difference. We’ll be highlighting their efforts across a number of charitable causes as part of a new blog series.
Our first volunteer spotlight shines on Laurel Boehmer Cano, Brand and Account Strategist. She regularly volunteers with Ryan House, a Phoenix nonprofit providing compassionate respite and pediatric palliative care to children facing life-limiting conditions. In this Q&A, Laurel shares her experience.
What motivated you to start volunteering at Ryan House?
I became interested in palliative and hospice care when I was in college. It was the first time someone close to me passed away, and the first time I ever interacted with this type of provider. Even though it was a difficult time in my life—I think losing someone always is—I was amazed by how much their care and presence affected me and helped me accept the circumstances. It was a completely different kind of healthcare experience because it focused on so much more than a curative goal or physical treatment. It felt profound and connecting, and it stuck with me.
Later, when I had the opportunity to shadow pediatric palliative care physicians at one of my previous jobs, I jumped at the opportunity. That experience deeply impacted me, and I knew I wanted to get more seriously involved in this kind of work.
What skills did you gain from your volunteer experience?
Empathy, presence, and the importance of having FUN! Seriously. I have so much fun hanging out and playing. The facility is designed to feel somewhere between “grandma’s house” and “summer camp,” which means we can be noisy, make messes, and the kids can be kids.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer experience?
It feels special to be part of their world. It’s rewarding to see how the support Ryan’s House provides to children ripples out to their families and the communities they belong to.
How has your involvement in volunteer work contributed to your professional development?
Since much of my work involves writing for healthcare companies, it helps me remember that every patient is a real person who exists within a broader context. They have loved ones, live in neighborhoods, go to work and school. Being a patient is just one part of who they are.
What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering?
Find something you care about and get connected! Whether it’s supporting the arts, advocating for animal welfare, nature conservation, or something else, chances are there is already an organization that could use your passion to help advance the cause. Our communities are full of people working to make the world a better place. Get involved. We can do so much more together….and, it’s FUN!
To find volunteer opportunities near you, visit VolunteerMatch.