Entry Gallery

Richard "Dick" Hinman

Texas

2012 Winner

Corpus Christi, TX
Nominated by Burma Barnett

Volunteered for:

Driscoll Children's Hospital

Length of Service:

17 years

Hours per Month:

40+

March 7, 2012

Richard "Dick" Hinman

Humility...Dedication...Energy...Passion

These words give some indication of Dick Hinman's character. Dick started working with patients at Driscoll Children's Hospital in 1994. Over the past 17 years, he has cheerfully given more than 28,600 hours and thousands of moments of joy to the children of South Texas. Those hours equate to over 1600 a year--practically a full time job.

Being around Dick is like opening a Treasure Chest. His warm smile, magic tricks, treats and natural connection to children create a sense of security and hope that patients sorely miss when he is not here. There is not a patient he has met that doesn't exclaim "Mr. Dick is my favorite!" Dick serves as friend, entertainer, advocate and listener to the youngest of our Driscoll Children's Hospital community. Some of these patients do not win their battle with disease. Dick brings great comfort to these families as he travels the journey of a child's final days with them.

Dick Hinman is a unique individual. A retired geologist, he grew up familiar with Driscoll as his mother was one of the founding members of the Auxiliary in 1952. Having never been a parent himself, he is using his retirement to give back to his communities youngest citizens. Dick calls volunteering at Driscoll Children's Hospital an "all day recess". He may view it that way, but his list of routine activities say otherwise. Working six days a week at age 81, Dick:

*Purchaes and delivers carnations to every girl in the hospital each Sunday,
*Selects and delivers new toys to newly admitted patients and those celebrating a birthday,
*Coordinates activities such as plane rides and ice skating parties for Oncology patients,
*Engages patients in therapeutic play,
*Provides distractions to both inpatients and those waiting in our clinics with pockets full of tricks, bubbles, toy critters, funny over-large ears and stickers,
*And has recently added the Rehabilitation lobby to his schedule of many places to visit daily.

In addition to his work with patients, he assists with symposia, camps, fundraisers and reunions. He has also held leadership positions within the Auxiliary to Driscoll Childrens' Hospital. Dick Hinman is one of the hardest working team members at Driscoll.

Burma Barnett, Volunteer Coordinator says "Dick knows several children in the hospital well and his visits help to brighten the patients' day. One oncology young patient while in for testing and medication, obstinately and loudly refused to go for his treatment without "Mr. Dick" going with him. Fortunately, his escort soon appeared and off they calmly went hand in hand to the treatment room. Children respond enthusiastically to his fun-loving nature.

"There's something very special about Dick Hinman. I love to sit back and watch his interaction with the children. Seeing their reactions...smile and giggles...is priceless. Thank you Dick Hinman for having such a giving heart" says Lizette Saenz, Director of Volunteer Services.

Although he will more than likely be embarrassed by the attention, Richard "Dick" Hinman is most worthy of this and all recognition.