Mary Paula: A Calling to Serve

Sometimes, the most meaningful work in life is not found on a career ladder, but in the lives we touch along the way. For one Phil’s Friends team member, discovering the organization began with a simple Google search for “cancer support.” What she found was more than an organization—it was a place where her faith, compassion, and desire to serve could make a lasting difference. 

Having volunteered throughout her life, from tutoring adults working toward their GED to reading to nursing home residents, Mary Paula knew she wanted to serve somewhere local and with an organization whose mission truly mattered. In 2023, she joined Phil’s Friends in Crown Point, Indiana, initially helping wherever she was needed in the office.

With a background in recruiting, which involved coordinating and scheduling interviews, she naturally transitioned into the role of Indiana Scheduler. Today, she helps coordinate volunteer groups from churches, schools, businesses, and other organizations, ensuring each session runs smoothly and every group feels welcomed.

Behind the scenes, Mary’s work requires strong organizational skills, flexibility, and one essential ingredient: communication. She manages scheduling inquiries, coordinates group leaders, and monitors volunteer coverage while also helping process weekly Care Package shipments.

But her role is about much more than calendars and schedules. Every group she coordinates helps make it possible for Phil’s Friends to deliver Care Packages and Cards of Hope to people facing cancer.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our business,” Mary said. “Without our volunteers, we would have no Phil’s Friends.”

One of the most rewarding parts of her work, Mary said, is watching people discover the joy of serving. Sometimes, young volunteers arrive reluctantly, especially when participation wasn’t their idea. By the end of a session, however, their scowls have turned into smiles, and they are asking when they can return.

She has also witnessed something beautiful among widows and widowers who began volunteering after losing a loved one. Searching for connection and purpose, they found friendship and belonging at Phil’s Friends. Over time, serving alongside others gave them a renewed sense of community and a reason to look forward to each week.

These experiences remind Mary that volunteering is a gift not only to the people being served, but also to those who give their time.

Mary says it is her Catholic faith that guides her commitment to doing good, serving others, and trusting God with what she cannot control. Working at Phil’s Friends has humbled her and reshaped her understanding of fulfillment.

“I take calls every week from emotional patients thanking us for all that we do to get the Care Package to them and how much they appreciate it,” she shares. “You can’t put a price tag on that!”

Some of her most meaningful moments happen on difficult days, she said, when she wonders whether she should be home enjoying retirement instead. Then the phone rings. A frightened or lonely cancer patient pours out their heart, grateful that someone is willing to listen.

In those moments, she finds her answer.

“God has placed me exactly where I am supposed to be—to be that listening soul for this lonely, scared person going through cancer and reassuring them they are not alone.”

For Mary, helping create a welcoming, Christ-centered environment is an honor. She hopes every volunteer who walks through the doors of a Phil’s Friends Hope Center feels appreciated, safe, and encouraged to share their gifts, regardless of their church background.

Her message to anyone considering volunteering is simple: give it a try.

“If you have 15 minutes to sit in the drive-through Starbucks coffee line, then you have 15 minutes to color a Card of Hope that will bring a smile to a cancer patient for the rest of the day,” she said. “The only skill needed is wanting to serve and be kind. The rest will follow—and warm your heart and soul.”

Through every scheduled group, every prepared Care Package, and every heartfelt phone call, Mary sees God working through ordinary people to bring extraordinary hope. And she knows that even the smallest act of kindness can remind someone facing cancer that they are loved, supported, and never alone.