Volunteer Spotlight: Eden Vazgiel
Meet Eden Vazgiel
Eden is a middle school student that is passionate about giving back. She spent almost a month creating cards of encouragement and assembling care bags for the blood cancer patients at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and we spoke with her to learn more about what drove her to volunteer with There Goes My Hero.
Tell us about yourself.
Hi, my name is Eden Vazgiel. I’m an 8th grade student at Hereford Middle School. My favorite things to do are playing volleyball and playing my violin. I have a baby chihuahua named Taffy that I love to take care of. Since I was little, I have always been interested in the medical field. When I get older, I hope to pursue a career as a psychiatrist.
How did you first learn about There Goes My Hero?
I searched for opportunities to volunteer in my community through the Baltimore Country Volunteer Center website.
What inspired you to get involved with There Goes My Hero?
When I found out about your cause, it made me think about how I felt when I first heard my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. I was eager to be a part of your cause and help bring a smile to people’s faces during difficult times.
Can you describe the project you worked on during your time with There Goes My Hero?
My project involved creating 40 handmade cards with a humorous design on the cover. The next step was to assemble 40 bags, each filled with things like crackers, pretzels, cookies, chocolate, socks, sleeping masks, gummies, and water. The most challenging part was shopping for these snacks within budget. After gathering everything, I assembled the bags and added the cards.
What was the most rewarding aspect of being a volunteer with There Goes My Hero?
I loved seeing how all the bags eventually came together. Lots of thought and emotion went into making them and I hope to put a smile on patients’ faces when they receive it.
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about volunteering with There Goes My Hero for the first time?
While I would love to encourage others to take on this project, I believe it should come from personal motivation. It’s not just about benefiting the patients, but also about experiencing the personal achievement of giving back to the community. The fulfillment of knowing you’ve brought a smile to someone’s face is its own reward.
Eden assembled 40 care bags filled with goodies, including cards of encouragement, for the blood cancer patients at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Want to make a difference? Sign up here or email andrea@theregoesmyhero.org to learn more about the different ways you can be a Hero!