Whitehouse, Ohio – Julia Gurcsik, a sophomore at Anthony Wayne High School, has become a bright example of youthful service in the community. Once a month she volunteers at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, offering companionship and a listening ear to patients and their families. “Even just like how everyone likes hospice and how it’s very respected and it’s a very calm environment there. People like to tell me a lot about their lives or ask about mine,” Gurcsik said.
Gurcsik’s commitment to hospice care is deeply personal. Her great‑grandfather passed away in a hospice setting last spring, an experience that inspired her to give back. “My great‑grandpa died about last spring. And after that, I wanted to give back and volunteer at hospice,” she explained. She now spends several hours each month at the facility, providing comfort and conversation to those in their final days.
Camp Counselor for Grieving Children
In addition to hospice work, Gurcsik spent the summer as a counselor at Pathfinder Camp, a free, week‑long day camp designed for children coping with loss. Assigned to a group of eight‑year‑olds, she helped them process grief in a supportive environment. “Definitely, you’re not alone in your grief. Definitely is the number one thing I’ve learned,” Gurcsik told the campers, reinforcing the message that they are not isolated in their feelings.
Kathy Valtin, vice president of marketing and communications for Hospice of Northwest Ohio, praised Gurcsik’s dedication. “She has an outgoing personality, but also knows how to read the room and see what needs to be done,” Valtin said. “I think her passion, her passion to help people, to help children, the fact that she volunteered the entire week, it was an early day and it was a late day and just to have that passion to help others, is remarkable.”
Looking Ahead
Gurcsik says the experience at Pathfinder Camp gave her a renewed sense of purpose. “After my grandpa passed, I found this new volunteering space that gives me purpose,” she reflected. She plans to return to the camp next summer, honoring a promise made by the children she served. “The kids made me promise that I’d sign up next year. So I’ll be going this next year,” she confirmed.
Her story highlights the impact of young volunteers on both hospice patients and grieving families. By dedicating her time and compassion, Gurcsik demonstrates how high school students can play a vital role in strengthening the fabric of their community.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
