Compassion for the dying: Helen Moe

Since 2015, Carilion volunteers who are part of the No One Dies Alone (NODA) program have generously provided companionship to end-of-life patients in the absence of family and friends.

Helen Moe is one of those special volunteers.  Having won her own battle with cancer 10 years ago, Helen has dedicated her survivorship to giving back.  She was one of the first volunteers to serve with NODA and has been involved as a volunteer chaplain.

When a Palliative Care patient is dying alone, Helen is notified and enlists volunteers to be present as the patient transitions.  What impresses Helen the most about this team of amazing volunteers is their dedication to staying with the patient until the end. In some cases, overnight. Since its inception, NODA volunteers collectively have sat 794 hours with patients who are near the end of their life.

Prior to volunteering, Helen spent 31 years at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.  She continues to work for American Cruise Lines as a Secret Traveler.

Thank you, Helen, for your compassion and commitment to the NODA program.

To learn more about NODA, or to register for the upcoming training on October 25, please contact Julie Blanchard (jwblanchard@carilionclinic.org)