Cerebral palsy doesn't keep her from helping others

There's a saying that talks about how some people ask "why," and others ask "why not." Certainly, volunteer Joseph Rabito would fall into the second category.

Rabito was born with cerebral palsy, one of the most common congenital disorders of childhood. The disorder affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. However, in Rabito's case, it has not affected his desire to volunteer.

"I get tired fast if I move for long periods of time," said the Deer Park resident. "I need to sit down before I go on to the next thing, but I always do go onto the next thing. To be honest, I don't know where I get the strength. But knowing I'm helping people gives me the energy."

For over a year, Rabito has volunteered at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. The 20-year-old Barrington health care facility has more than 400 physicians representing 35 medical specialties with services that include a level II trauma center, state-of-the-art birth center and a nationally recognized cancer program.

Rabito's volunteer schedule varies, but on average he puts in four to six hours a day, three to four times a week, when he is not busy working as a movie theater greeter.

"Every week he delivers patient handbooks to patient areas in the hospital," said Julie Zuidema, volunteer coordinator at the hospital. "He operates a cart and makes his way around the hospital, which can be a confusing route, sometimes."

Rabito said it took him about two months working with his manager to get everything down. He's glad he did and comes away with a lot of pros to volunteering.

"One pro is that I can do it on my own," he said. "Another is I'm helping people. Another is I have a lot of friends."

Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and coordination, to the degree that easy movements, like standing still, can be challenging.

"It takes an effort even for simple things because it can be difficult to walk," Zuidema said. "He wears leg braces. But his spirit is stronger than anything his body might prevent him from doing."

Zuidema is also impressed by Rabito's involvement on the volunteer scene at such a young age.

"He is 22 years old, and like most 22-year-olds, he has lots of friends and he likes video games and baseball," said Zuidema. "But unlike others his age who would rather do just those types of things, he comes to the hospital."

"What Joe does would be easier for someone without limits. Others would get caught up in limits," Zuidema said. "Joe knows no limits; he'll try anything."

Zuidema's belief in this propelled her to place Rabito into an active role at Advocate Good Shepherd. Originally, he did desk work. However, now in addition to the pass-outs, he gets mail, does ER paperwork, and delivers pillows and wheelchairs. Increasing his duties is what Rabito said stands out most in his mind as a memorable event in his volunteering.

Before, he says he sat in an office doing mail. "Now, (new manager) Julie has me going all over and I like it."

Zuidema feels Rabito's caring and dedication is a force that inspires many employees at the hospital.

"Sometimes, I get caught up in my job details and things that must get done," said Zuidema. "Joe reminds me it's a privilege to be here and help people in crisis."

Even at a young age, Rabito was busy at the inspiration factory. At the age of 16, he won a gold medal for his 100 meter dash at the Special Olympics. He also was a volunteer assisting a coach for the Special Olympics' bowling and running teams.

Rabito graduated from Lake Zurich High School in 2005. While attending Lake Zurich Middle School, he was a volunteer assistant to the basketball coach. Interestingly, being sick has never prevented Rabito from aiding the sick.

"There's a lot of sick people who can't do things without the help of others," said Rabito. "Helping people makes me feel good. And don't say you can't help. Put your mind to it and you can do anything."