I worked extensively with the Gift of Love through the months of May, June, and July 2024. I donated blankets, socks, tarps, ponchos, materials that could help both the hospice home and Street Ministry. I decorated the dining room and patient rooms with window stickers that flashed rainbows into the room when the sun was out. I also donated snacks, fruit, and healthy food. At street ministry, I was very happy to see my materials distributed throughout the community, such as socks and tarps that I could personally give to the people on the street. Through providing these living essentials and material resources, I hope this could alleviate stress and improve the quality of life for the poorest of the poor.
Street Ministry
Donations of Socks and Other Essentials
Some of my favorite interactions of the summer included Memorial Day, where we brought a grill to the street ministry and people could enjoy hot dogs! I enjoyed talking to many people in the street and getting to know about their background, which developed my cultural competency in my future interactions with patients of various socioeconomic statuses and diverse experiences.
Memorial Day Grill with Street People
I got to practice my musical passions at the hospice, bringing regular musical performances. I enjoyed doing music therapy with all the residents, playing nostalgic and joyful songs on the piano, and singing! Every time felt like a fun music performance, and music as a healing power and common language is so powerful!
I also brought balloons to the home, which were a huge hit among the residents. They enjoyed the balloon therapy, which enhanced their hand-eye coordination and even excited patients who could play from the comfort of their own bed. The balloons were soft and slow-moving, so patients could work on coordination without difficulties.
Decorating the Hospice Home and Balloon Therapy
This summer, I tried a variety of exercises to boost patients’ energy levels and happiness endorphins, such as leg exercises, arm and stretching exercises. I did daily exercises like leg raises and knee curling with one patient for his legs to improve circulation and heal his wounds, giving him simple instructions and breaks in between the movements. I adapted the exercises to whether he was laying in the bed or sitting upright before dinner. I encouraged him to do these exercises even when someone is not there to coach him!
July 4th was remarkable as we hosted a big barbeque party! I brought a watermelon and residents enjoyed the summer treat. We decorated the home and the patio with red, white, and blue balloons! Everyone was in a good mood and the atmosphere was so lively!
Fourth of July Barbeque Party
Throughout the summer, I met many people in the streets of San Francisco, who explained their living situations and activites of daily living. I gained more insight on the availability and accessibility of social and healthcare support. One-on-one time is limited in street ministry because there are a lot of people, but even so, I got to know many people on a personal level and they welcomed me and the sisters each time, establishing long-term relationships. Often, we delivered close to 100 hot meals and many donuts and cookies that provided a satisfying and filling meal.
Packing and Distributing Food and Resources for Street Ministry
The sisters at the Gift of Love celebrated me on my last day, and I was very happy that I could help in a different and unique capacity, such as assisting with technology and researching, and providing more time and attention to converse with patients and lift up their spirits. I, as an aspiring physician, was glad that I could talk on a deeper level with patients, as the sisters are very busy with their chores and housework in and out of the hospice. Additionally, I hope that my enthusiastic, optimistic, and bright attitude shone through for the patients and improved their spirits. I look forward to returning whenever I can, especially during school breaks.
