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Lina
Czubas |
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Lina Czubas
84 - Falls Church, VA
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"Seeing the comfort in the faces of the soldiers and their families motivates me to continue this work. The soldiers give ten-fold back to you, and the gratitude and excitement I receive when I visit again is extremely touching."
Lina Czubas did not create a nonprofit or start a program that mobilizes hundreds of volunteers. But at 84 years old, she volunteers five days a week at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, through the Red Cross, sitting with patients, listening to their concerns and fears, and giving them love, support and encouragement. Having volunteered for the Red Cross for nearly 50 years, her volunteer service has impacted hundreds of soldiers.
Lina is a role model to many older Americans, proving that we all have something to offer, even in our golden years. Her work gives her life purpose and keeps her young, giving younger generations love and support. And, when needed, she is there to remind the soldiers that their lives are special, with special purpose.
Everyday Lina drives to a shuttle, taking it to Walter Reed in Washington, DC. Her day begins with volunteer work in the pharmacy, and then visits with the soldiers who are being treated for injuries received during their military service – many, recovering from amputations, head traumas, and other serious injuries. Lina sits with the soldiers, checking with them and their families, to see how the Red Cross can help make their stay and rehabilitation more comfortable. She makes special visits to family members while the soldiers receive medical treatment, and also stays with the patients when family members leave, or need a break. In addition, Lina offers injured men and women the love of a mother or grandmother when family members can't be there, giving them the encouragement and moral support they need to get over that next hurdle.
Lina is constantly awed by the determination of the soldiers, who face major physical, mental and emotional hardships. However, she brings her own brand of determination to Walter Reed, daily, serving as a great example of how anyone – no matter what their age – can make a meaningful impact in their community.
That's why Lina is a 2008
Woman Of Worth. |
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"Seeing the comfort in their faces motivates me."
Hear Lina discuss her work
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ORGANIZATION
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