June Volunteer Spotlight

Liyan Wan used to live in a monastery, where along with her monastery sisters and brothers, she performed weekly acts of service. Even though she is no longer part of the monastery, acts of service continue to be an important part of her life.

Since 2018, Liyan has served as a volunteer at Islands Hospice, helping numerous patients and their families get through difficult times. One patient, she recalled, was experiencing high anxiety, but their weekly prayers together helped that person get to a place of calm. 

“She sensed my empathy and expressed appreciation for our friendship.
This feedback let me know that I was making a difference in her life,” Liyan said.

While Liyan enjoys interacting with patients, she finds joy in working behind the scenes at Islands Hospice’s office, too. “I experience purpose and gratitude in letter-folding for mass mailings as I get to seal love and blessings into the envelopes for each family that it reaches.”

In addition to volunteering with Islands Hospice, Liyan helps with beach cleanups and volunteers with Hapa Mana, an organization dedicated to giving keiki access to free youth athletics. She is also the owner of Meerkat Academics, an education company specializing in tutoring for STEM subjects.