Putting his best foot forward
MONONGAHELA – Thom Kostelac of Jefferson Township has always volunteered in his community and at church.
After recovering from double-knee replacement surgery in December, he was so grateful for the care he received from Monongahela Valley Hospital, he decided to commit a day each week to help others recovering from similar surgeries.
Kostelac is among the many volunteers who are being recognized through Saturday during National Health-care Volunteer Week.
Kostelac volunteers every Monday at Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Orthopedic Institute, assisting joint-replacement patients while they work with physical therapists. He fills ice packs or water pitchers, and he “makes the rounds” with patients, visiting with them to provide support and hope.
“I thought people would be encouraged by the fact that someone who had a really good experience with the Orthopedic Institute would come back and help,” the 60- year-old retiree said. “I had a positive experience, a positive outcome, and I thought it would be nice to give back and help get others through the procedures that were similar to mine. I wanted to help out in some way.”
Kostelac, a retired teacher from Monessen High School, said arthritis in both knees literally stopped him in his tracks. He could barely move, let alone enjoy gardening and working outdoors with Debi, his wife of 40 years.
“I always tell patients that you need to have a ‘PMA,’ a positive mental attitude. That’s what helped me recover, and you have to do the therapy and exercises. That will really help,” he said. “I can’t leave God out of this, I was blessed. I felt like there were divine angels in my room, but there were angels in the form of nurses and assistants, too.”
Mon Valley Hospital has hundreds of volunteers, including on-call chaplains, the Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources Inc., Volunteens and volunteers at Healthy Directions at Giant Eagle and the Orthopedic Institute.
“I would recommend (volunteering) to anyone who has some time to give back,” Kostelac said.