Giving Back, Year After Year: CMC’s 2026 Palmetto Award Volunteers
Conway Medical Center has 198 volunteers serving at multiple facilities in a variety of capacities. Our volunteers are dedicated individuals who provide exceptional service to meet the diverse needs of our community, staff, and patients. They have served over 36,100 hours and their donated time equates to over $1,254,000.
Each year CMC recognizes volunteers who have achieved 10, 20, and occasionally 30-year milestones, celebrating their years of service and achievements. CMC held the Palmetto Awards and the annual Volunteers Appreciation Luncheon to honor these remarkable individuals.
CMC president and CEO, Brian Argo, and Carol Biagini, the director of Volunteer Services, along with a variety of members of the CMC leadership team, were on hand to recognize the following individuals for their unique talents and service:
MICHAEL GUSEMAN 10 YEARS
Mike’s dedicated service has spanned the Warehouse, CMC Foundation special events, and currently Environmental Services. Arriving before sunrise, he ensures entrances are stocked with masks and umbrella bags and lends his support each year at the CMC Foundation Golf Tournament. Most recently, Mike spearheaded a hospital-wide review of hand sanitizer dispensers, reducing product waste and generating meaningful cost savings. His contributions total 1,838 hours over the past decade.
MICHELLE RICHARD 10 YEARS
Michelle serves as a devoted OR waiting room liaison, often lending her time two, three, or even four days a week, providing crucial support and communication to families during their loved ones’ surgical procedures. She has weathered multiple facility renovations without missing a beat and plays a key role training new liaison volunteers. Michelle’s creative talents also shine in the Auxiliary Gift Shop, where she has donated handmade baby sweaters and blankets. Her decade of service totals 4,631 hours.
SUSAN SCHULER 10 YEARS
Susan is a driving force behind the CMC Auxiliary Gift Shop, the Auxiliary’s largest fundraiser, and brings creative flair to seasonal offerings like handmade wreaths. She prepares comfort bags for young patients in the Emergency Department and previously served as a Way Finder volunteer, greeting and guiding guests through the hospital. Susan’s decade of dedication has resulted in 2,240 hours of service.
LAURIE WARD 10 YEARS
Jane’s dynamic service spans both the Patient Escort team and One-Day Surgery. Her Monday mornings in the Volunteer Service Center transport office and Friday mornings in Post-Op demonstrate her preference for constant engagement. Jane meticulously prepares supplies for staff and manages patient discharge calls with exceptional care and respect. Her dedication has accumulated 2,450 hours over ten years.
PATTI WATSON 10 YEARS
Patti’s decade of service has touched nearly every corner of CMC — from the Auxiliary Gift Shop and her role as Auxiliary Board Secretary to countless fundraising events, including the CMC Foundation golf tournament, book and jewelry sales, and the holiday craft bazaar. She has cared for newborns as a Cuddler in Maternal Child Health Services, guided guests as a Way Finder volunteer, and helped train many new volunteers. Today, she can be found supporting patients and families in the OR waiting room and Imaging Center. Patti has contributed 4,114 hours.
LINDA MANNING 10 YEARS
Linda’s administrative and organizational talents have benefited numerous departments, including Patient Financial Services, Blood Drive support, and Human Resources, alongside her work as a Nursery cuddler and Patient Experience Ambassador. A dedicated “snowbird” volunteer, she was instrumental in launching the Embrace Hospice volunteer program and continues to support it today. Linda’s decade of service totals 1,366 hours.
EDWARD RUSSO 20 YEARS
Jane’s dynamic service spans both the Patient Escort team and One-Day Surgery. Her Monday mornings in the Volunteer Service Center transport office and Friday mornings in Post-Op demonstrate her preference for constant engagement. Jane meticulously prepares supplies for staff and manages patient discharge calls with exceptional care and respect. Her dedication has accumulated 2,450 hours over ten years.
PATRICIA FARNHAM 20 YEARS
Pat spent many years volunteering behind the scenes in Health Information Management, where she and her sister were beloved fixtures of the Auxiliary’s holiday bazaars. She now dispatches calls for CMC’s transport team every Wednesday afternoon. Humble and endlessly talented, Pat has recorded 3,752 hours on site — with countless additional undocumented hours beyond that.
Volunteer at CMC
Conway Medical Center is in a unique position to see the benefits of volunteerism as hundreds of people have donated their time and expertise within our walls. Many are retirees who bring with them skill sets that they can put to use here in our many departments.
Other assignments outside their areas of experience give them the opportunity to try something they’ve never done before and offer them a chance to stay mentally sharp. Volunteers who make deliveries or escort patients and visitors on our campus have the added physical benefit of logging thousands of steps.
The social aspects of working and helping others at CMC can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. You’ll have the opportunity to make meaningful connections amongst our volunteers, employees, and patients. Become a part of the CMC family, and add more zest to your life.
