When a heart condition forced his newborn son to spend 133 days at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Kevin McLeod responded by looking outward. McLeod used that experience to support other Stollery families, connecting them with resources, providing a friendly ear or helping deliver food carts to patients’ rooms.
As a volunteer patient family advisor, McLeod now organizes one-on-one and group discussion groups for Stollery families, as well as advocates on their behalf on several committees.
“It’s all really positive in the sense that it’s just what I can contribute. I’m not a doctor, but I can be there to listen if someone wants to chat or give someone a coffee. And hopefully it has a positive impact on them like it had a positive impact on me and my family.”
McLeod’s dedication to service goes far beyond the office, however — he volunteers as a Rotarian, mentor, youth soccer coach and vice president of his community league.
“For me, it’s always been about going anywhere willing to learn and willing to understand. Every day I ask questions and every day I hope I get a bit better at my job. Whether it’s being a good parent or a good community member, it’s all from me learning from other people and being open.”
This article appears in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of Edify
