Meet John Byrne

John Byrne volunteers in the MCFI Pediatric Special Care unit, which provides skilled nursing services for children ages birth to 20 with serious medical issues. You'll find him there a minimum of three days a week, for about three hours each day.

John, a retired attorney, was asked to be a companion to a particular young boy struggling with a severe disability.  MCFI staff members often see John pushing the little boy in a specialized wheelchair through the halls of MCFI. John has become an "adopted grandpa" not just to the little boy, but to all the children in Pediatric Special Care.

He says the children seem to enjoy his company.

"Some of the kids look to me for comfort and affection, and I try to give them that," John says.

Children with severe disabilities often must put up with needles, tubes and uncomfortable medical and care procedures several times each day. Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants offer comfort as well as care, but the children in Pediatric Special Care know that John is special. They know that he is there simply to be a "grandpa" who cares deeply about them. John is our "go-to hugger."

Some of the children in the program do not have grandfathers or fathers living in the area, so John provides a positive male role model for them and for all the kids in Pediatric Special Care.

John is admired throughout the agency, although he probably doesn't realize it! Visitors and staff members see him walking with his "adopted grandchildren" in tow, and they're reminded of our mission. He proves that the only special skill you need to be an effective volunteer is a willingness to open your heart.