In July 2021, upon returning home after her third year at the University of San Francisco, Ally Kuwana decided to start volunteering at Navian Hawaii. She had just finished taking a course called “Death & Dying: Exploring New Paradigms.” She had also read Frank Ostaseski’s book The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully, which taught her about the complex field of hospice and palliative care.

In an effort to learn more and serve her community, Ally became a Patient Visits volunteer. She provides respite and companionship services for patients and their families, visiting their home and doing whatever she can to make their experience more enjoyable — whether it be through talking story, watching TV together or just grabbing them a glass of water. Throughout the year, she makes lei for patients celebrating their 100th birthday, helps at the reception desk, and delivers meals and supplies to patients’ homes as needed.

“The best part about being a volunteer has been the connections I make with the patients and their families and seeing the joy on their faces,” said Ally. “It is truly an honor to learn so much from someone who has lived your lifetime several times over and to be a part of their last chapter. I think there is something special about the connection between someone just beginning their life and someone at the end of their own.”

To those thinking about becoming a volunteer, Ally passes on Frank Ostaseski’s invitation to “welcome everything and push away nothing.” While death often generates feelings of fear and anxiety for many individuals, volunteering has helped Ally to gain new perspectives. This shift has helped her to provide better companionship to those nearing the end of life’s journey.