The PBMT Rainbow Volunteer Program seeks to alleviate concerns by being a serving friend to pediatric blood and marrow transplant patients and families here at Duke Children's Hospital.

With the difficult pace of medical care, it is not always easy for the Duke PBMT staff to meet all the needs of each family. The PBMT Rainbow Volunteer Program has been established to help meet this goal.

The PBMT Rainbow Volunteer Program is coordinated by a director and is maintained by caring individuals from the Triangle community. It is a part of the Duke PBMT Family Support Program.

How do Rainbow Volunteers help?

Rainbow Volunteers serve the PBMT unit in three hour shifts. They provide respite care and sit with the patient while the parents spend some time away. They also support the patients by encouraging them to walk laps, play games, do art, or by just being a listening ear.

What skills do Rainbow Volunteers need? How are Rainbow Volunteers trained?

Rainbow Volunteers participate in a 3 hour training session led by the PBMT Family Support Program staff. Training covers information about blood and marrow transplant, the stressors families face, orientation to the PBMT unit, as well as confidentiality, HIPAA/compliance and fire and safety.

Where do Rainbow Volunteers serve?

Volunteers will work with patients in the PBMT unit over 3 hour shifts, once a week.  Shifts are 12-3 pm, 3-6 pm, and 6-9 pm, seven days a week.  Only one Rainbow Volunteer works each shift.