Miguel Serrato has made a life here at UTMB. He rides his bike the five blocks to and from the Galveston Campus every day—yes, every day— rain or shine, high temps or low.
Why? “Because it’s a gift that I give myself,” Serrato said.
Serrato was a supply delivery employee at UTMB for 16 years and has been a volunteer for 33 years, with more than 16,000 total volunteer hours under his belt, Volunteer Coordinator Holly Jolin said.
“Miguel is very thoughtful, a good listener, patient, humble, calm and dependable," she said. “He loves being a volunteer because he knows it helps the patients and he enjoys the feeling of giving back to the community.
“He volunteers at UTMB every day, even on the weekends, to provide support to the patients,” Jolin added. “He will sit with a patient to listen to them, hold their hand or pray with them. He is always available when I ask for help with a special project.”
Serrato volunteers in pastoral care and as a hospital way-finder. It’s hard to listen to him share about his volunteer experiences and his motivation without feeling the depth of his commitment. Volunteering, Jolin said, is in his blood.
“Miguel is a special volunteer because he is always smiling and gives of his time because he enjoys the time with the patients. Volunteering was a big part of his family traditions growing up,” she said. “Although his time with the patients can be emotional and challenging, Miguel continues to provide support to UTMB patients and staff selflessly and with a big heart.”