Florence Yelling
November 17, 2011
Flood protection to sediment boosts initiatives
November 21, 2011
“You should see the looks on people’s faces when he comes in,” Philetta Geist proudly said of her husband, Adolph, as the two prepared to make their weekly visitation rounds at Terrebonne General Medical Center.
There are plenty of people who take on volunteer work during their retirement years. For Adolph and Philetta Geist, being volunteers is more than a matter of personal satisfaction. They give to those in need as if they are returning the favor of helping others provide for them when they required it most.
It was in 1989 that Adolph, 84, underwent surgery for five heart bypasses and gallbladder removal, all on the same day.
The fear and wondering of what to expect next was eased for the Geists when volunteers with Mended Hearts came to visit. Those volunteers offered information and emotional support as part of their mission. It was a way those who are heart patients welcome others who have undergone cardiovascular treatment into their exclusive ranks.
The Geists were so impressed by the support and encouragement they were offered that they joined Mended Hearts as volunteers, and on every Monday for more than two decades Adolph and Philetta, 78, have given of themselves to others.
“We’ve been members [of Mended Hearts] for more than 21 years and visiting heart patients ever since,” Adolph said. “The best part as far as I’m concerned is that when we visit patients, we try to encourage them and given them hope and wish them the best. We also give them and opportunity to join the organization and be a member.”
During the past 60 years, Mended Hearts has facilitated positive patient care by joining with medical professionals at 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics across the nation. As a service organization, it picks up where medical knowledge and skill completes its task.
Mended Hearts not only serves the patient, but also the families of those undergoing surgery and rehabilitation. Trained volunteers know best from their experiences how to help people of any age facing lifestyle changes, concerns, treatments, depression and recovery.
In addition to hospital room visitation, Mended Hearts provides support groups for patients and families and health information workshops.
While in-person visits remain a tradition, Mended Hearts has entered the cyber world with online support that provides answers to questions and resources to meet individual conditions and concerns.
“It meant a lot to me too,” Philetta said regarding her husband receiving help from the volunteers. “We had six children and that was very scary. I didn’t know what to expect.”
Philetta said that as the spouse of a heart patient she was offered help in knowing how to care for her husband and was offered explanations regarding medication and emotional support.
Gertrude Arceneaux is president of the Mended Hearts chapter in Houma and has been a member of the organization since 1987.
“[Adolph and Philetta Geist] are the most dedicated visitors I’ve ever known in supporting heart disease patients,” she said. “They have been doing this for quite a number of years. They relate to the patients very well.”
Arceneaux said that the Houma Mended Hearts chapter has about 45 members. “Our membership is a little low right now,” she said. “We try to meet monthly as a support group. We have guest speakers who speak about the medical field. Dietitians come in [as well].”
As head of the Houma chapter, Arceneaux said that technological advancements have reduced the number of bypass surgeries. Making people aware of healthy lifestyles appears to have reduced the number of those needing extreme treatment, but does not remove the need to mutual understanding and education. “We hope to gain more members,” she said.
“The thing is we offer our support to these people and we want them to realize that life goes on,” Arceneaux said. “Some of them are so down when we visit them. Then when we come out of that room we feel so good because we have made them feel good. I went into a room one time this guy was really down and he didn’t want to talk. I started asking him questions about his family and who he was. By the time I left that room that man was laughing with me. Just seeing these people light up when you talk with them makes you feel good.”
“When I had heart surgery the [Mended Hearts] organization came to visit me,” Adolph said. “They asked me to join so we joined.”
Through Mended Hearts, volunteers like the Geists provide materials explaining heart disease, lessons about nutrition and exercise, explanations of topics like cholesterol and stress, and a network of resources.
Most of all, Adolph said, it offers the heart patient a friend. “They know you know what they are talking about,” he said.
Philetta has been a constant companion with Adolph during his Mended Hearts visits. As long as one member of a husband and wife team has been a heart patient both may join and participate in Mended Hearts activities.
Technically, Philetta became a fully qualified member of Mended Hearts in 2009 when she was fitted with pacemaker-defibrillator.
“We haven’t really been looking for recognition,” Adolph said. “Just visiting these patients and giving them encouragement is sufficient for me. That’s why we do this.”
Seeing an average of nine patients during each of their Monday visits, the Geists estimate they have associated with more than 9,800 heart patients since beginning their volunteer work. “They haven’t all had bypass surgery,” Adolph said. “A lot just had stints put in, but we will try to encourage them and give them courage.”
The Geists keep a list of the patients they visit. They add those names to prayer meeting lists and make follow-up calls to let them know they are not forgotten.
“A lot of times you think when you have heart surgery you will not be able to do anything anymore, but you can,” Adolph said. “I’m 84, and when I tell people I had five bypasses 22 years ago they can tell that life is not over.”
Adolph has worked in the oil fields as well as auto maintenance. He retired from the real estate business. Philetta was a teacher. The Geists would contend that the work they perform today is the effort for which they want to be remembered.
Wearing their trademark read attire and friendly expressions, Adolph and Philetta Geist intend to continue making their rounds among patients in need of mended hearts. “I want them to know,” Adolph said, “that if I can do it, you can do it.”
Adolph and Philetta Geist check their list of patients to visit with assistance from Terrebonne General Medical Center volunteer Gloria Grayson (seated). MIKE NIXON
