“The hospital staff tells me that I have a great, positive attitude. The staff and nurses made me a special ‘Best Patient Award’.”
Shreveport, Louisiana – July 2020
My name is Wayne. I moved to Shreveport, Louisiana in 1985 after attending Ruston State School—I wanted to see the big city! I was also in need of care and support. So, I was one of the first residents at the Volunteers of America Magnolia facility—the first group home for people with disabilities in the state of Louisiana. I lived at Magnolia until I was able to move out into my own apartment and become a part of a supervised independent living program in 1992. It was there that I met Donny Jackson, the director who is by far my greatest advocate and friend.
I could not live without this program. They help me make sure all my bills are paid on time, make sure I have groceries and that I go to the doctor. In the past few years, I’ve had many visits to the doctor as well as the oncology department at the hospital. I have cancer. Through two rounds of chemotherapy, Donny has been there for me. He offers me advice and hope, despite life’s hardships. The hospital staff tells me that I have a great, positive attitude. The staff and nurses made me a special “Best Patient Award.” I have been with Volunteers of America for so long now—35 years—longer than almost anyone else in the organization, including the president. I could be his boss!
Update: On August 6, 2020, Wayne lost his battle with cancer.
