Care comes full circle at Ascension Providence

For Richard and Carolyn Skurla, Ascension Providence in Waco, TX, has been woven into some of life’s most meaningful moments. It was where Richard received lifesaving care during a battle with leukemia. It was where the couple later chose to volunteer, spending years serving patients and caregivers. And, it was where they found themselves once again, when Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Their story is one of care received, care given and care received again. 

“It’s what we do,” Richard said. “That’s what makes Ascension Providence special.”

From patient to volunteer

Richard’s connection to Ascension Providence began as a patient. In 2016, he was diagnosed with leukemia and developed a life-threatening infection during treatment. During an 11-day stay in the intensive care unit, he received care that left a lasting impression on both him and Carolyn. 

“The people at Providence took such good care of me,” Richard said. “Volunteering was my way of saying thank you.” After recovering, Richard joined the volunteer program. When Carolyn retired from her career as a Baylor University engineering professor, she joined him.

What began as an opportunity to use their newly-gained free time to give back to the community, became something more. "When you're wearing that blue volunteer jacket, you feel like you belong," Carolyn said. "The people there become family."

Over the years, Ascension Providence became an important part of their lives and a community they were proud to serve.

Supported through breast cancer care

That community took on a new role in their lives in late 2025, when Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer. After additional testing revealed cancer in both breasts, Carolyn faced a double mastectomy performed by surgeon, Paul Claiborne,MD, followed by radiation therapy and the ongoing treatment that continues to guide her recovery.

Like many patients that face a cancer diagnosis, Carolyn experienced uncertainty about what lay ahead. Unlike many patients though, she already knew many people on her care team who would be walking alongside her. 

“I knew the people taking care of me,” Carolyn said. “I knew I was in good hands.” 

Because of their years of volunteering, the Skurlas recognized familiar faces throughout their journey. Associates checked in on them. Fellow volunteers offered encouragement. Friends from the Ascension Providence community reached out with prayers, meals and support. 

“When people found out what we were going through, they showed up,” Carolyn said. “We had meals delivered. People prayed with us. People called. They checked on us. We never felt alone.” 

For the Skurlas, those acts of kindness were a reminder of the culture they had experienced and contributed to as volunteers for years.

Care beyond treatment

Throughout Carolyn’s treatment, the Skurlas experienced not only advanced cancer care, but also the compassion that defines whole-person care. 

The support came from every direction. A fellow volunteer organized meals. Associates shared words of encouragement. Caregivers took time to connect on a personal level. Friends from different faith communities lifted them up in prayer. 

For Carolyn, it reinforced something she had witnessed countless times while volunteering: healing is about more than medicine. “When you’re going through something difficult, it means so much to know people care,” she said. Richard agreed. “When people know you, care about you, and walk alongside you, it makes a difference,” he said.

That sense of connection helped transform a difficult season into one marked by gratitude and hope. 

Serving with a new perspective

Today, the Skurlas continue volunteering at Ascension Providence. Their experiences as patients have given them an even deeper appreciation for the small moments that can have a lasting impact. 

When Carolyn sees a family member sitting outside the ICU, she remembers waiting during Richard’s hospitalization. When she notices someone struggling, she often stops to listen and offers a prayer. 

“If I see someone who’s hurting, I ask if I can pray for them,” Carolyn said. “Sometimes, people just need to know they’re not alone.”

The couple believes their experiences have strengthened their commitment to serving others. Having received care themselves and spent years caring for others through volunteer service, they understand how powerful compassion can be during difficult moments. 

“We’ve been on both sides now,” Carolyn said. “We’ve been patients and volunteers. It all comes back to helpful people feel supported.”

Answering the call to serve

For the Skurlas, service became a way to give back the same compassion they once received, and Ascension Providence's volunteer community is always looking for more people ready to make that same difference. Whether you're newly retired, looking for a meaningful way to serve your neighbors, or simply inspired by stories like the Skurlas’, there's a place for you.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Ascension Providence and start your own story of service at ascensiontexasfoundations.org/volunteer.