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In 1990 Ginger Dancy went to work at Rutherford Regional Hospital (now Rutherford Regional Health System) as the Community Relations Assistant. In 1998 she was made the Director of Volunteer Services supervising 175 adults and, every summer, 100 teen volunteers. Ginger says: “It was so rewarding and every day was different”. Supervising the teens each summer was a way to influence and create future career opportunities in health care. Ginger considers the pet therapy program as her greatest achievement. She started the program in 2004 when a lady from New Hampshire approached her about starting a program. She wrote the policy and got approval from the medical staff and administration. As a result, three certified pet therapy dogs visit staff and patients every Wednesday. It has become the highlight of every week. One of her favorite dogs is named Reynard who was rescued and then trained. Reynard arrives weekly with his photo I.D. and badge ready to socialize.
On Friday, January 25th, a special retirement reception was held for Ginger. Over 200 people from staff and community came to thank her for her service. She told everyone: “I just think we are the shinning star in the community as a health care facility.”
Rutherford Regional Auxiliary has received a five star rating for the last 14 years. “They are there for all the right reasons.” The best part of this story is that Ginger Dancy may have retired, but she is coming back to the hospital as a volunteer along with her husband Jimmy, who is the Mayor of Rutherfordton. Their decision is a confirmation that the hospital had the perfect person to head volunteer services for all those years. If you see Ginger, make sure you thank her and wish her well. She’s a very special lady and the community is better off because of her. I’m sure she will be around on Wednesdays to welcome Reynard!
