News

Lisa Cherry
Volunteer - Beverage Cart
The Importance of Caring | my journey into volunteering

Years ago, Lisa Cherry’s husband was seriously injured in a car accident, and they spent many days at Columbus Community Hospital. Cherry was immensely grateful when people would come into his room to pray with her and her husband, listen to them and offer them food and drinks.

“I don’t think I really realized they were volunteers until I got more involved with the hospital for work-related stuff,” said Cherry. “Once I became aware of the opportunities, I knew the hospital was the right place for me to volunteer at.”

Now Cherry is the one offering hospitality to patients — she volunteers at the hospital, wheeling the beverage cart around from room to room and brightening other people’s lives. Just like the people who visited her and her husband, Cherry strives to make their days just a little bit better.

“I love sharing stories that reflect who I am and where I come from,” she said.

“Whether it’s through my experiences, challenges or passions, I try to connect with others by being honest and real.”

Cherry has worked at KLIR-FM radio station in Columbus as general manager for the past 19 years. “It’s a true blessing to have the opportunity of flexibility and being able to speak and serve so many people,” she said. “The company really pushes us to stay in the community and to serve where we can.”

She and her husband Wayne have two married children, Shayne and Kayla, and five grandchildren, with whom they love spending time outside. “We love bonfires and bottles of wine,” said Cherry, “and music, camping, family and friends.”

And most of all, she says, she’s dedicated to her faith. “I don’t like negativity because it’s not pleasing to my Lord, whom I love very much, and I try to serve him at all times by being grateful,” she said. “Not that I have it all in the world, but I have it all in him! I believe every person has a unique story worth telling, and mine is still being written. I’m always learning, growing and looking for ways to turn moments into meaning and memories.”

Cherry has been actively volunteering since her children were small, working with churches, Big Pals Little Pals, the United Way, Habitat for Humanity and Women United.

“It’s a wonderful, feel-good feeling to volunteer,” she said. “At the hospital, I love visiting with the other volunteers. They are so nice! Beautiful blessings!”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities available at the hospital, visit columbushosp.org.