Imagine facing the end of life without comfort, companionship or dignity. At Helios Care,
we ensure no one has to. Our mission is simple but profound: To care for patients with
serious illness and their families with compassion, dignity and choices. Every day, Helios
Care brings comfort and compassion to those facing serious illness through programs
and services often not covered by insurance. Many of these are made possible by our
incredible volunteers, who offer companionship, dignity and support when it’s needed
most.
Our volunteers bring light into the darkest moments. Through StoryKeeper, patients
record their life stories, leaving behind a legacy of love. Our Veterans Appreciation
Program honors those who served, offering dignity in their final days. And with Sunshine
Flower deliveries and Tuck-In calls, we offer warmth and care when comfort matters
most.
Additionally, there are unfunded but essential services provided by our staff that are only
made possible by the support of our community.
A volunteer who gives both her time and support
My name is Heidi Armao. My husband, Peter, and I are financial supporters of Helios
Care; this is very gratifying and important to us, to help cover unfunded important
services. What’s more, I want to share how volunteering with Helios Care has changed
my life – and how it could change yours too.
My journey began in 2016, when my father-in-law became very ill. He suffered a stroke
and cancer, and lost ability to communicate clearly. During that time I became his voice,
his translator, and his companion. Sitting by his side in the hospital and nursing home, I
discovered something I hadn’t realized about myself before – I was drawn to being
present with people at the end of life. I felt honored to support him in those tender,
difficult moments, and that experience opened the door to my volunteer work with Helios
Care. At first, I started small, making weekly tuck-in phone calls. Before long, I began visiting
patients in person. Since then, I’ve done everything from providing companionship in the
hospital, to helping families run errands, to sitting vigil so no one has to be alone in their
final hours. Sometimes it’s something as simple as heating up soup, folding laundry, or
delivering flowers. Other times, it’s being a listening ear for a caregiver who feels overwhelmed, or holding a patient’s hand in their last moments. Each experience reminds me of the profound impact even the smallest acts of kindness can have.
Volunteering with Helios Care is not about what I give – it’s about what I receive. The
privilege of walking alongside people at such a vulnerable time have been some of the
most meaningful experiences of my life. I often say I get far more back than I ever give.
You don’t need medical training – just compassion, patience, and a willingness to show
up. Please consider joining me today – as a volunteer, as a donor, or both.
Giving just a few hours, per week or per month, can make a lasting impact. You might
find, as I did, that your time not only supports families in their hardest moments, but also
fills your own life with purpose, gratitude, and connection.
Your financial support is also critically needed at this time, when there is great
uncertainty, and you can be assured that your donation will stay right here in our three
counties helping our fellow community members. Together, we can continue to bring
hope, comfort, and care to our patients.
To learn more about how you can get involved, please reach out to Helios Care.
Together, we can ensure that no one walks this journey alone.
With gratitude,
Heidi Armao
Helios Care Volunteer and Supporter
