Dick and Maria Sears, A Lifetime of Giving Together

Dick and Maria Sears will soon celebrate their 60^th Wedding Anniversary which is an extraordinary testament of their love for each other. The two also share a special love for Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital as they’ve served as volunteers for a combined 35 years. Dick and Maria embarked on this journey of giving together, and have generously contributed innumerable philanthropic gifts to the hospital which have supported various campaigns including the New Patient Tower.

 “We love Giving Back because we Love Henry Mayo," said Maria. "This hospital has provided us great care many times so we value and have confidence in the doctors and nurses and entire healthcare team. We feel it’s important for us to support Henry Mayo so that the hospital can continue its work in providing the best healthcare to our community.”

Maria began volunteering at Henry Mayo in 1996. She had worked in the healthcare profession for many years and after retiring, found herself longing for the medical environment and patient interaction that exists in a hospital community. Maria found her calling, joined the HMNH volunteer staff, and has worked in several areas including Outpatient Surgery, Transitional Care, and Maternity Services.

Maria has a warmth that comforts patients experiencing difficult health challenges. Her compassion is shared by the way that she holds a patient’s had to provide comfort, and shares a laugh or cries when listening to their heartfelt life stories. All of this makes her a true treasure and a blessing to patients and the Henry Mayo Family.

“I’ve discovered something beautiful happens when compassion is shared with someone in need, and at the end of the day the reward is a deep personal satisfaction that is priceless.”

Dick began volunteering at the hospital in 2006 as a shuttle bus driver. The shuttle service provides transportation for visitors and staff to various locations on campus. Dick enjoyed meeting new people while being of service and this was an opportunity to do both.

When Dick became a volunteer driver, he didn’t realize at the time that one of his favorite passengers would become a pet therapy dog named Nickie. Nickie was no “back-seat” passenger! He loved sitting up front with Dick, taking up most of the seat which made it appear as though he was helping Dick drive. Dick was given the Service of Excellence Award in recognition of his service to patients and the community.

Dick and Maria Sears are the living embodiment of our message, “We Care” as they have committed their lives to service. The couple was given the Auxiliary Honorary Life Membership Award. Their generosity and love of giving has supported many of the high quality healthcare programs and wellness services provided by the hospital.

We Thank Dick and Maria for their service, commitment, and generosity to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital community.