7Everyday Hero Bill Cudmore is so thankful for Denver Health Medical Center he volunteers there

A brush with death can change your perspective on life. It certainly did for 7Everyday Hero Bill Cudmore. 

 

"I suffered a stroke. I was in the hospital for three weeks, during which time they diagnosed me with prostate cancer," said Cudmore. 

 

Cudmore turned that health scare into an act of giving. For the last five years, he has volunteered at the very hospital that helped save his life. 

 

"Denver Health is the best kept secret in Denver," said Cudmore. 

 

Cudmore calls himself a "pathfinder."  He helps patients and visitors find their way around Denver Health Medical Center.

 

You can find him in the halls with a beverage cart, where he hands out free coffee and lemonade. It is a small gesture that Cudmore believes helps everyone in the hospital relax. 

 

"Because a number of people, when they come to the hospital, they're not feeling well.  They're not themselves.  They can be cranky, frightened, unsure of themselves.  It's a big campus," Cudmore said. 

 

Cudmore has given his time at Denver Health every week since 2011 and has logged more than 1,000 hours of volunteer time. He felt he had to after his stroke. 

 

"I was not able to speak, but I was able to know that they had me on the crash cart within one minute.  That impressed me!  You can't save my life and I just give you a baloney sandwich and say: 'Good job,'" Cudmore exclaimed. 

 

"He is someone who you want to see as you're coming into the hospital.  It can be a scary time when you are coming here and Bill obviously has that charm and guidance to all the visitors here," said Volunteer Coordinator Shaikha Rasmussen. 

 

It also helps that Cudmore is outgoing, friendly and has a great sense of humor. Every staffer who walks by gets a personal greeting.

 

"Hi, Amy.  I will come over and visit with you.'  I'm losing my touch, I should be able to work this cart and flirt at the same time," laughed Cudmore. 

 

Bill Cudmore loves giving back. He believes volunteering is a great way to stay active and remain involved with your community, while having fun. 

 

To learn more about volunteering at Denver Health Medical Center go to www.denverhealth.org. Under the "About Us" section, click on "Volunteer Services."

 

Mitch Jelniker anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. He also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on 7NEWS. Follow Mitch on Facebook and Twitter. Nominate a7Everyday Hero here.