Gayle Lykowski, PebbleCreek resident and Kare Bears volunteer.
Kathy Koncel
The celebration of Kare Bears’ 30th year anniversary presents a meaningful opportunity to recognize both the volunteers who give so generously and the neighbors whose lives have been touched by their care. Built on the simple but powerful idea of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” Kare Bears has become a trusted and compassionate presence in PebbleCreek. In this second installment of our Faces of Kare series, PebbleCreek resident Gayle Lykowski shares how Kare Bears provided her an opportunity to be of service and comfort to neighbors who needed rides to medical appointments.
When did you move to PebbleCreek, and what led you to choose it as your home?
My husband and I moved to Arizona from Kentucky in October 2022. We were attracted to PebbleCreek’s active lifestyle and many ways to get to know and interact with neighbors. And, my husband and I both enjoy golf, so having three courses situated within the community was a factor in selecting PebbleCreek. Everyone we met while deciding to build a home in PebbleCreek seemed very happy. We wanted to be a part of the fun and have never regretted our decision.
At what point did you learn about Kare Bears and consider volunteering for them as a driver?
I initially learned about Kare Bears during the new resident orientation. Several months after moving into the community, I recognized how blessed I am to be here and decided it was time to start giving back. One opportunity I focused on was Kare Bears. I had a career in the healthcare field and recognize the importance of consistent health care follow-up. Kare Bears was a good fit for me, and I now spend about eight hours a month providing rides.
Can you describe the typical process for preparing for and delivering a ride?
A resident first reaches out to Kare Bears when they need a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Once I know I’m available to accept the ride, I contact them to confirm all necessary details, such as the medical office location and the pick-up time to ensure they arrive before their appointment time. If it’s a first-time ride with a client, we usually chat during the ride and address all of the usual “getting to know you” questions. If the duration of their appointment is well defined, such as a physical therapy session, I may run errands while they’re with their doctor. If not, I’ll enjoy a book in the patient waiting area. When I return a client to their home, they always express their sincere appreciation for the ride, which is incredibly gratifying—especially when I consider the day that I may be the one needing a ride.
What is most fulfilling to you about being a Kare Bears volunteer driver?
Many volunteer activities don’t give you the opportunity to meet those who are benefitting directly from your efforts. As a Kare Bears volunteer driver, you build a one-on-one relationship with the individuals you are helping. The thanks that I get at the end of the ride is very fulfilling. And, other than being friendly, safe, and confident, you don’t need special skills to be a Kare Bears driver. You just need compassion and a willingness to help neighbors get from one location to another.
Learn More about Kare Bears
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Kare Bears brings together PebbleCreek resident volunteers to help neighbors in need with loans of home medical equipment, rides to medical appointments, and more. Kare Bears also promotes wellness across the broader PebbleCreek community through events and screenings. Learn more at karebears.org.