Neighborhood Hero: woman spends retirement helping others going through a rough time
A local woman has dedicated her retirement to volunteering at several organizations across the Coachella Valley.
Nancy Swanlund is a volunteer at Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC), and the Hanson House in Palm Springs, as well as being part of the board of three different non-profits and churches.
Most of her time is spent between the hospital and Hanson House which is just across the street from DRMC.
The Hanson House is a "home away from home" for the loved ones of critically ill and injured hospital patients. Swanlund helps make the temporary home feel as comfortable as possible for those staying over.
Swanlund said she really enjoys making a difference in people's lives. For the last five years, she's also volunteered in the NICU at DRMC.
She recounts one of her most heartwarming experiences being whenever there are parents meeting the baby they will adopt for the first time.
“They’re crying. I’m crying. The nurses are crying," she recounts. "That’s an amazing moment.”
Swanlund retired in 2017 and said she can either sit and home and do nothing, or interact with others to help make a difference in people's lives.
Celebrating #NeighborhoodHeroes
We are looking for those who are lending a hand during this uncertain time. Do you know of any everyday people who are going out of their way to help others? Have you seen someone find creative solutions to the new challenges we all face?
News Channel 3 wants to celebrate these neighborhood heroes. Tell us about them here. Enter HERE or email SHARE@kesq.com or crystal.jimenez@kesq.com. If you see good happening on social media, share it with us, and tag it #neighborhoodheroes for us to see.
