A Volunteer 25 Years in the Making

Fred Kramer has dedicated more than 20,000 hours of his life to Moffitt Cancer Center. His paycheck comes in the form of laughs, smiles, and special bonds formed with those around him – the many cancer patients and families who are fighting the battle of their lives.

Some time ago, Fred’s late wife Addie decided she wanted to volunteer, and she insisted that Fred join her. “I thought it sounded interesting, so I gave it a try.” More than 25 years later, at age 96 – Fred is a familiar face in Moffitt’s Special Care waiting area. When you ask him if he thought he’d still be volunteering at the age of 96: “I didn’t think I’d even still be around,” he laughs.

Fred and his wife Addie volunteered together, starting out working with pediatric patients. In 1994, when Moffitt transitioned pediatric cancer care to All Children’s Hospital (now known as Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital) in St. Petersburg, Addie went on to volunteer with pediatrics at St. Joseph Children’s Hospital – while Fred remained at Moffitt.

During his time at Moffitt, Fred has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from The White House, and he and Addie were once featured in the Tampa Tribune for Volunteer Couple of the Year. Not to mention the countless kudos he's received from Moffitt patients and visitors over the years – we credit it all to his wit, his friendly nature, and his jokes.

Thanks for your many years of service, Fred!

Interested in volunteering? Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Moffitt.