Vicki Tudor
Vicki Tutor has been a volunteer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for a very life-changing two years. Since she began as a Ready Runner volunteer in May of 2013, Vicki has made a huge impact on St. Jude families and the volunteer program. During her morning shifts, Vicki will usually search the grounds for dirty wheel chairs and wagons on the property. When she finds a discarded wagon or wheel chair, she brings it downstairs to Environmental Services. Staff cleans them each night and then returns them into circulation for families to use the next day. Vicki interacts with her supervisors, Guest Liaisons Penny Tramontozzi and Leah Brooks on a regular basis and had this to say about them, “They are amazing. They are knowledgeable and very helpful with any questions I might have.”
Vicki also came to St. Jude with a mission in her own heart to volunteer and make the world a better place. “I watched my best friend battle breast cancer for over a year, and she successfully beat the disease. I had such a helpless feeling and wanted to do something to help.“ With a push from friend and fellow volunteer, Randa Rosenblum, Vicki finally got involved with volunteering at St. Jude! One of her favorite things about being a volunteer is seeing sick children smile because she’s helped them and her families have a better day. A funny memory that Vicki has is probably not what you’re expecting, “Once I was walking over to a wagon outside in the parking lot and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something in the bottom. It’s common to find toys left in the wagons. My heart suddenly jumped when I saw it was a snake. At closer look I realized it was a toy snake from the gift shop. A very real looking snake, I might add.”
When we asked Vicki about what she wanted others to know about St. Jude she said, “I have always heard that you receive more from service work than you give and this is especially true at St. Jude. At least one time a day, I am told “thank you” from a St. Jude employee. I believe my volunteer work is definitely appreciated.” Vicki also added that being so active as a Ready Runner volunteer has helped her lose some weight during her volunteer hours. The job requires a good deal of walking and Vicki definitely enjoys it since the grounds are always so pleasant.
Aside from volunteering at St. Jude, Vicki looks after her elderly mother and as well as her siblings. St. Jude has given her the opportunity to open her heart and give to others less fortunate. She is proud of the work and legacy of Danny Thomas and the amazing work done at St. Jude.