When Joel's great-grandmother passed away, the two were there to console each other. Soon after, when Pao had a death in his family, Joel was there, too. All you have to do is share it. And you are really not giving something up, you are getting something in return. I've made a friend for life.
Mentors join the program for many reasons.
It can even be a little, well, selfish. I get to play. I never got to play when I was a kid. Prospective mentors must be at least 18, pass a thorough background check and have no felonies. The process usually takes six to eight months.