Trussville resident, hospital volunteer with Down syndrome gets birthday surprise
By Gary Lloyd
BIRMINGHAM — Classrooms 1 and 2 on the second floor of St. Vincent’s East are likely used most often for lectures and meetings, probably for serious discussions.
Last Monday, the two classrooms were turned into an indoor carnival.
Hospital auxilians were there for a regular meeting, but there was a little bit of fun involved. There was a red popcorn machine and other refreshments along a back wall. There were small carnival games scattered across tables all around the two combined rooms. Some people were dressed up like they were in a carnival or circus.
Aimee Lesley with her basket of birthday cards and a balloon
photo by Gary Lloyd
There were also balloons, a basket of birthday cards and a cake. That was all for Aimee Lesley, a Trussville resident with Down syndrome who has volunteered at St. Vincent’s East every Monday for the last 16 years, delivering mail, making packets, and handling other duties as she’s assigned.
Lesley’s birthday was actually last Thursday, Sept. 25, and she turned 40. She didn’t realize a large portion of what was an auxilians’ meeting was a surprise birthday celebration and birthday card shower for her.
“I was surprised,” said Lesley, sitting next to a basket overflowing with cards.
St. Vincent’s Health System Director of Volunteer Services Cathy Storch said a little cake was given to Lesley when she turned 30, but after “unmercifully teasing” her about turning 40, Storch wanted last Monday to be a special day.
“She loves everybody and she smiles and she talks to everybody and knows everybody,” Storch said. “She is just a joy to us to have here. We appreciate all the stuff she does for us, too.”
Lesley’s mother, Kay Lesley, was also on hand for last week’s surprise celebration. She said her daughter is outgoing and is a people person. She said Aimee has been a part-time hostess at Applebee’s in Trussville for the past 10 years, helping seat people during the lunch shift on Thursdays and Fridays. About three months ago, Lesley was awarded a 10-year pin for her service at the restaurant.
“The fact that Aimee has been accepted in her role here at the hospital is very pleasing to me,” Kay Lesley said.
When Kay Lesley has to come to the hospital, she brings Aimee along because she knows where to take her, since she delivers mail and packets all over the building.
“She knows the hospital like the back of her hand,” Kay Lesley said.
From left are auxilian secretary Jeams Cowser, suxilian Aimee Lesley and auxilian president Randall Cowser.
photo courtesy of St. Vincent’s Health System
When Lesley first began volunteering at St. Vincent’s East, one of the experienced volunteers already there took her under her wing, became her teammate.
“Everybody loves her and I think that’s what I get out of it, seeing everybody loving her just as much as I do, too,” Storch said. “St. Vincent’s is proud to be able to have Aimee as a volunteer, and she really lives our mission of serving others and making people feel good just by saying ‘Hello.’”
Kay Lesley said her daughter “loves this work” at the hospital.
“She would not miss this for anything in the world,” she said.
Kay Lesley said Aimee would open every birthday card she received, from people around the St. Vincent’s Health System, from friends of Storch from Maine to California.
“I enjoy being here,” Aimee Lesley said.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
