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Volunteers...they do make a difference by Donna Bailey  Public Relations Kitty Stanley, left, accepts the Ann D. Edwards Volunteer of the Year Award from Ann Edwards. The award was given at the annual volunteer awards banquet held at the Westin Francis Marion Hotel. Stanley was honored for her outstanding work at the Children's Hospital with transplant patients and in the neo-natal unit. During the past 11 years, Katherine “Kitty” Stanley has dedicated 2,700 hours as an MUSC volunteer. In recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to bone marrow transplant patients and the Children's Hospital Neonatal Unit, Stanley received the 1999 Ann D. Edwards Volunteer of the Year Award. Susanne Banks, manager of Volunteer Services, presents a faux check to President James B. Edwards. MUSC volunteers have provided services totaling the equivalent of  $535,039 during the 1999 fiscal year. Mrs. Edwards gives a pat of appreciation to Chunk, the volunteer dog. Jane Piazza with husband Ronald, left, was the first volunteer to receive the Ann D. Edwards Volunteer of the Year Award in 1991. Piazza has been a volunteer for 16 years. Each year, Edwards selects one volunteer from a field of hundreds of deserving persons who freely dedicate their time to MUSC. This year alone, 641 volunteers provided the equivalent of $535,039 in services. Since 1991, Stanley has worked with the transplant staff of the Children's Hospital, staying with a child at least two days a week depending on the needs of the child and family—time that allows parents and family caregivers a chance for a much needed rest. “In transplant, not only can I help the children, I can help the whole family,” said Stanley. “By working with the family, helping everyone, you get so much out of it yourself.” With a background in child development and education, she felt that volunteering with children was where she belonged.  “It is so wonderful to find something so rewarding at this stage in my life,” Stanley said. “These children are so courageous, it does so much for my own outlook.” Stanley and her husband are avid travelers. They have raised four children and are expecting an eighth grandchild due in October. Still she finds time to volunteer and encourages people of all ages to join in. “Kitty, like so many of our volunteers, is very committed to working with these special patients,” said Susanne Banks, manager of Volunteer Services. “She is a vital part of Volunteer Services and well deserved of this honor given by  Mrs. Edwards.”