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Ed Yeates ReportingFifty years of cheering up people who don't feel so well and still going strong, oh, and did we mention he's 82-years old? University Hospital today had something special to say and do for a man they call "Herb."
He comes, chats for a while --sometimes longer-- and always has a smile.
Herb Russell: "I give you a smile and that doesn't cost nothing."
Herb Russell has been volunteering at University Hospital for fifty years. He goes way back, to the days of the old General Hospital where he entertained patients. Ailing folks loved him then; they love him now.
Kary Coon, Patient: "He's here. He's Johnny on the spot and he's always got a real good attitude. He comes in and picks you up first thing in the morning, even if you've had a hell of a night, you know."
Watching him stride from room to room, it's hard to believe he's 82.
Herb Russell, Hospital Volunteer: "I just enjoy. I get to meet nice people and I think it keeps me young."
As a reporter covering stories at University Hospital, I thought I had walked these halls many times. But it doesn't even come close to the steps of Herb Russell.
"50 years of volunteering and miles of smiles." That was the theme with buttons, posters, hugs and a plaque. Herb's been thinking about slowing down, but..
Herb Russell: "The way I calculate it this is halfway, so 50 more years."
In addition to volunteering, Herb's donated a record 22 gallons of blood over the years to the American Red Cross.
As part of the celebration at University Hospital, today was officially designated "Herb Russell Day."
