The Precious Gift Of Time

Presence and Compassion Provide Comfort in Final Hours

Your generous support of the McLeod Health Foundation funds numerous programs and services that might not otherwise be available. We are incredibly grateful to you, our donor.

One special group of donors at McLeod Health Seacoast and McLeod Health Loris is also giving one of the most precious human gifts: time. Their commitment is to be present for patients who are alone in their final hours.

The “No One Dies Alone” (NODA) program, a nationally recognized initiative, reflects the culture and mission of McLeod Health. Driven by volunteers, the program provides specialized training to ensure a reassuring and comforting presence for dying patients who would otherwise be alone.

It all began last year when Michelle Davies, Director of the Operating Room, went to Volunteer Manager Peggy Skudera. Michelle had just left a patient’s room where she stayed all night to be present with a patient who had no family to sit with them.

A spark was ignited. 

McLeod Volunteer Chaplain Connie Lawson, a retired nurse and the force behind the volunteers for this program, began researching and discovered NODA. She quickly introduced the program to McLeod Health. Connie brings eight years of experience, profound compassion, and dedication to her role as team leader for pastoral care. 

“NODA is the right program for McLeod Health,” she stated with tears in her eyes. “No one came into the world alone, and no one should leave alone.”

Monica Vehige, CEO of McLeod Health Seacoast, shares her gratitude for the dedicated volunteers who brought this program to our region.

“Our first ‘No One Dies Alone’ experience was with an ICU patient estranged from his family, but not from the McLeod Health Seacoast family. This emotional journey began on Thursday, and he passed gently on Sunday. Because of our dedicated volunteers, he was never alone. This gentleman was truly a gift to us, someone we came to identify as our hero. The experience is something we will never forget.”

The volunteer group is guided by these wishes for their patient:

“May the touch of my hand give you courage for the journey.”

“May the touch of my caring bring you comfort and peace.”

“May the touch of my presence say to you, ‘you are not alone.’”

Through your support, our steadfast donors, you echo these words and ensure that our patients do not face their challenges alone.