Finding purpose and joy through the gift of volunteering
My physical limitations don't define my ability to give back to others
Volunteering has given me more joy and meaning than I ever imagined possible. Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) means I can’t move my own body, but that hasn’t stopped me from finding ways to move others.
Whether supporting disaster relief efforts or creating meaningful moments for hospice patients, my work gives me a sense of freedom and fulfillment that transcends physical limitations. Every task, no matter how small, reminds me that we all have the power to make an impact.
My body may not move independently, but through volunteering, my heart and spirit are constantly in motion, reaching out to touch the lives of others.
Finding accessible ways to give back
My passion for volunteering began shortly after my move to Pennsylvania from New York City. My mom signed up to help at a local soup kitchen for one of the largest shelters in the area, and she thought I might enjoy it, too. Of course, I couldn’t physically serve people, but the director was determined to find a way for me to contribute.
Together, we discovered that I could be a listening ear for some of the shelter residents as we shared a meal. I ended up volunteering there for about three years.
That experience deepened my love for giving back and showed me how powerful creativity and collaboration can be in making volunteerism accessible to everyone.
After my time at the soup kitchen, my desire to help others only grew stronger. I began looking for new ways to get involved, and that’s when I connected with the American Red Cross and a local hospice center.
At the Red Cross, I found my place as a caseworker for disaster relief, helping people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I also took on administrative roles that let me support recruitment efforts behind the scenes, proving that even without physical movement, I could still have a significant impact.
Working with the hospice center brought a different set of rewards. I help create monthly newsletters that inform, comfort, and connect patients and their families.
While I face significant physical limitations, being able to contribute in meaningful ways has given me a sense of control and satisfaction that benefits my mental health. Volunteering has shown me that my worth isn’t tied to what my body can or cannot do, but to the compassion and dedication I bring to helping others.
Each time I’m able to make a difference, it reminds me that I’m not powerless. Despite adversity, I can still touch lives, which has empowered me and brought me peace and mental clarity.
As a volunteer, I’ve gained insight into human resilience and the strength of community, which mirrors the core values of social work. In fact, the benevolence and tenacity I’ve developed through volunteering are qualities I want to bring into my future career as a social worker. Volunteering has given me a clearer sense of direction, confirming that my path lies in empowering others and advocating for change on a broader scale.
Ultimately, my journey reflects the belief that true strength lies in our ability to lift one another. It proves that we can create positive change even in adversity and foster a sense of belonging for all.
Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.
About the Author
Mike Huddleston
Thank you for this wonderful article, Jasmine. I retired after 36 years in IT toward the end of 2022 and have been finding ways to give back and agree it's rewarding in ways far beyond description. Some of what I do is virtual, like with MDA mentoring, but I also volunteer at a local accessible sailing facility. It is amazing and I so appreciate the opportunity to participate in providing an experience for those within the disability community, which is often underserved. Keep up the great work!