December 2025
Beyond compassionate service, our caregivers go the extra mile to bring smiles to visitors and patients in our hospitals.At Providence Portland Medical Center, the “ding-ding” of a bell in the hospital halls of is a gentle warning that caregiver volunteer Christina is shuttling nearby. It'll be hard to miss her holiday decorated golf-cart, and even harder to miss the smiles on the faces of her passengers.
Christina’s been driving the hospital shuttle — four-person oversized golf cart affectionately named “Rover,” since before the pandemic. She offers rides in the four-passenger oversized golf cart. twice a week to anyone who needs a little extra support getting around.
“I just love to drive,” Christina says. “It gets busy in here, so you have to use your bell and pay attention.”
Christina is one of six Rover operators who keep the shuttle running during busy weekdays. Right now, Rover is dressed in autumn leaves; hand-decorated by Christina. She wants the shuttle to be a source of comfort for people feeling nervous in the hospital. Christina takes time to understand her passengers. “I don’t drive very fast with my older passengers; I don’t want to make them anxious.”
Her compassion shines in moments like this: “One time, I came across a little girl rolling on the floor, very unhappy, saying ‘I want my daddy.’" Christina says. "Her dad was in for major surgery. I convinced her to climb on Rover, and we drove around with her mom, talking about all sorts of things. It got their minds off the surgery. That’s what I wanted to do for them.”
Christina, a Portland native, worked in health care for many decades before retiring. Now, she volunteers at Providence and teaches crochet classes at Catholic Charities. “Volunteering helps me stay out of trouble,” she says. “I don’t want to just sit at home and not help anyone.”
Need a ride at Providence Portland Medical Center? Call 503-216-7165 for a lift.
Related news:
- Learn more about our services at Providence Portland Medical Center.
- See a story about the Providence Portland Medical Center K-9 team bringing smiles and puppies to patients at our hospital.
