A memory shared by YPC President, Victoria Perry:
Before I ever used the services of the Doorways, I had the opportunity to volunteer there, which became a transformative experience for me. I was motivated to give back after hearing about the incredible support it provided to families in distress, and I wanted to be part of that positive impact. I joined the Doorways Young Professional Counsel (“YPC”) in 2022 and quickly moved up the ladder, first serving as the fundraising and events chair, and now serving as the president.
Little did I know, my family would find ourselves benefiting from those very services when my dad went in for his open-heart surgery.
Having volunteered there gave me a unique perspective; I understood the importance of what the Doorways offers because I had actively participated in creating that environment of support.
The day of my dad’s open-heart surgery arrived, and it felt surreal. As we drove to the hospital, the weight of anticipation hung in the air. I knew the surgery was necessary, but the uncertainty tugged at my heart, and I prepared myself for a long wait in the hospital.
We arrived at MCV at 5:30 AM after having woken up at 4:30 AM and let’s be honest, I don’t think any of us slept through the night. My dad’s surgery finally began at 9 AM. My mom and I were told we would get updates every two hours until the surgery was over. Having already been at the hospital for close to five hours sitting in the waiting room or cafeteria on chairs with no privacy, we decided to take a walk.
I looked up to see how far away The Doorways was. It turned out to be only about a 7-minute walk and we decided to visit to kill time. The short distance makes it easy to come and go, allowing us to stay close if we needed to run back. My mom had never visited, and I was excited to show her where I volunteer.
Once inside, the atmosphere shifted. Instead of sterile, cold walls, we were greeted by soft hues and welcoming furniture. The faint scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, accompanied by the light chatter of other families sharing their own stories. It was a relief to be in a place where I wasn’t alone in my worries.
We were able to see Jessica for a moment and hug her. Jessica has worked with The Doorways for a few years and become a very good friend of mine through YPC. She is an amazing staff member and goes above and beyond for the guests, her coworkers, her family, and her friends. It was great to see her. She took the time to give us her best and let us know that we could stay as long as we wanted and that we were always welcome there.
I gave my mom a quick tour of the facility, and she was astonished at how much The Doorways provides. With pride, I showed her the communal kitchens stocked with snacks and drinks, rooms where families could rest, and most importantly Dolly’s beautiful Garden. She asked a few questions like who comes here to stay, and I said, “Well if we didn’t live close by, we would need to stay.” I told her how many families need to travel to VCU and how lucky we are to have a state-of-the-art hospital here where many people aren’t so lucky. In addition, many people are referred to specific doctors in Richmond and have to travel to get the care they need. I explained to her how many people stay at the Doorways for organ transplants, cancer treatments, and heart surgeries, like Dad, all families who need to be close to the hospital for an extended period and can’t afford local hotel amenities. She then asked, “They do all of this with donations?” I said, “Yes, donations and volunteers that’s why it’s important to get the word out about this organization.”
As we continued to walk through the Doorways, it was cozy and welcoming, providing a comforting space for families like ours. Even though I have volunteered for a few years, it was even more heartwarming to see others going through similar situations, sharing stories and support during such a vulnerable time. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of community; we all understood the gravity of what we were facing.
We settled into a cozy corner of the library; it was a small sanctuary away from the worries of the waiting room. My mom was able to take a short nap, and I was able to read a little bit and text our family members about the surgery’s progress. Every now and then, my mom would look over at me, her eyes reflecting the same mix of hope and trepidation I felt deep down.
Moments turned into hours, and before long, it was time to head back for our next check-in call. As we walked back and I stepped into the waiting area, I felt a wave of nervous energy. The Doorways had provided a break from the anxiety, but the reality of the situation was still present. I held my mom’s hand tightly as we waited for news.
At that moment, I was even more grateful for the Doorways. The very place I had volunteered became a sanctuary for me. It had been a refuge, a place not just to pass the time, but to nourish hope and connect with others who understood the heavy load we carried. As the clock ticked away, we reminded ourselves that soon, Dad would be on the road to recovery, and we would be right there beside him. In the midst of uncertainty, having each other and those shared moments made all the difference.
I’m thrilled to share the news that my dad’s surgery went exceptionally well and the surgeon was able to successfully perform the procedure. After about a week in ICU, my dad is now home from the hospital.
As he continues to recover, I take solace in knowing we and many other families have a supportive community close by, making the difficult experience a little more bearable. It is a welcome reminder of the human spirit and the strength we can find in shared experiences during trying times.
