On Thursday, April 10, 2014, Swedish hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration dinner and awards ceremony at the Seattle Tennis Club. The event was to acknowledge and give thanks to all the volunteers who generously donate their time, and energy, to making Swedish a people friendly place. The event was attended by more than 220 Swedish volunteers.
Our very own Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center registered nurse Kim Lozano, and Certified Pet Therapy Volunteer Kathy Knox, and her Certified Therapy Dog Ocho (yellow Labrador retriever) were honored as Swedish’s “Featured Volunteer Program: The Leo Project.” Kim created The Leo Project, better known as the Leo Pet Therapy Program to enhance the services we offer our MS Center patients and their families. The name “Leo” was selected to pay tribute to Kim’s beloved dog Leo who passed away at the age of 13.
Kathy Knox and therapy dog Ocho deliver comfort and care to all people who pass through our MS Center’s walls. Ocho, under the gentle guidance of Kathy, helps patients relax, reduces anxiety and fear, promotes comfort and a sense of well-being, and offers people an opportunity to share their own pet stories.
The Swedish MS Center is designed to provide all types of patient/family focused care. Pets are an integral part of our health. Although pets can give us a lot of grief, they can also give us much joy. A huge thank you to Ocho, Kathy, and Kim for enriching the lives of all people we serve.
