The
Comfort Project
Wayfinders of Southern Vermont
Navigating Medical Aid in Dying
When you are suffering from advanced illness, Medical Aid in Dying allows you to choose the terms and time of your death.
You retain a sense of control in the midst of an uncontrollable disease.
We guide you through the complex process of pursuing Medical Aid in Dying in Southern Vermont.
We offer a compassionate understanding of both the emotional and the practical aspects of this decision.
Our work is to simplify the process by giving you clear information and logistical assistance, while supporting you and your loved ones through this profound choice.
“I can’t find the words to express how grateful our family is for your team. You have smoothed the way, addressing every obstacle and allowed us to focus on our father and his transition from this world.”
The essence of our support is to provide non-medical care for Medical Aid in Dying. We guide you through the steps from initial planning to being present on the day the medication is ingested.
We clarify complex information about MAID eligibility requirements, as well as what is needed to successfully complete the process.
We help you coordinate with your medical team in Vermont: doctors, hospice and pharmacist, all separate and independent entities.
We assist in identifying appropriate local lodging during your visits to Vermont for doctors’ appointments, including a safe location for ingestion.
We provide information to help you coordinate post-mortem arrangements.
We provide a trusted courier to pick up the medication from the pharmacist in Rutland, VT and deliver it to the location of your ingestion.
We meet with you and your family/friends the day before the ingestion to review the standard Vermont Medication Instructions and together we create a plan for ingestion day.
We keep the medical team (doctors and hospice) informed of logistical plans related to your ingestion.
On the day of ingestion, two members of our team are present: we provide compassionate, practical care. As we are trained to do, at the family’s request, we mix the medication and monitor ingestion.
After the death, we notify hospice and the funeral home, which initiates the death certificate process and post-mortem care.
We remain present with family/friends until the process is complete.
We provide resources about free grief support groups.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each person’s circumstances, needs, and timing are unique. Together, we shape the path forward with a series of phone calls, Zoom meetings, and in-person visits.
What We Offer
“The peace and dignity Mom was able to have at her life’s end was made possible because of your help and compassion. Thank you for giving her peace and comfort.”
Getting Started
Filling out the Inquiry Form (below) will give us basic information so we can begin a conversation with you. Remember, to qualify for Medical Aid in Dying, you must have a terminal diagnosis of six months or less.
If you are just beginning to consider this choice, we recommend you look at the website of Patient Choices Vermont and contact their helpline for answers to many of your questions.
We recommend beginning with an introductory phone call where we can understand more about your situation, and can explain the steps the process entails. This call will also provide you with the opportunity to learn more about our team, ask questions, and decide whether you'd like to move forward with our support.
If we both agree to proceed at this time, we will request that you sign The Agreement and Guidelines for a Safe and Peaceful Medical Aid in Dying, and pay for our services going forward.
Once that step is taken, then you, as a client or friend or family member will have access to our Client Portal. This is a comprehensive compilation of helpful resources we’ve accumulated while helping others through this process. These resources include information about the doctors we work with in Southern Vermont, and the process for scheduling appointments.
Please note: coming to Vermont is a complicated process with many arrangements that must be made with your doctor, hospice, pharmacist, our team and others. While each case is unique and we cannot predict an exact duration of the entire process, the minimum time frame is currently about three months.
“You are truly angels on earth! We would not have made it through this without your help.”
Costs of our Services
The Comfort Project believes that compassionate end-of-life care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstance.
When we began this work, we offered all our services on a volunteer basis. Now, with ever-increasing demand, much of our time continues to be volunteer, however, financial support is needed to cover our insurance and other administrative obligations.
We offer a sliding scale and trust you to assess your situation thoughtfully, guided by both your own and your loved ones' current financial circumstances and values.
Tier 1 — Paying it Forward: $5,000
If you have financial flexibility.
By choosing this tier, you help us to sustain our work and create accessibility for those facing financial hardship. We are deeply grateful for your support.
Tier 2 — Full Cost: $4,000
If you can afford the true cost of our services.
This tier reflects the actual cost of providing our services. Choosing this tier allows us to continue this important work without relying on subsidies.
Tier 3 — Shared Cost: $3,000
If paying the full cost would create financial strain.
At this tier, we provide support for 25% of the cost. It is designed for those who can contribute meaningfully but for whom the full cost might create stress during an already difficult time.
Tier 4 — Supported Cost: $2,000
If significant financial constraints make the full cost prohibitive.
At this tier, we provide support for 50% of the cost of our services.
Questions about selecting a tier? Please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help ensure you receive the care and support you need.
“Gratitude beyond words to you for your support and generosity on this journey to a peaceful death for my friend.”
Who We Are
Since 2023, when Vermont removed the residency requirement from its Medical Aid in Dying law (Act 39), The Comfort Project has been supporting individuals from across the country in accessing this end-of-life option.
Our team of eight brings deep expertise in hospice and end-of-life care. We include both active and retired palliative care and hospice nurses, all with specialized training in Medical Aid in Dying. We remain committed to ongoing professional development as this field continues to evolve. We are part of the Wayfinders network established by Patient Choices Vermont.
Co-founder Suzanne Baxtresser is a retired Hospice nurse and Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care. She has worked in both in-patient and out-patient hospice settings for 20 years. Suzanne witnessed first-hand how difficult the process for out of state residents was when a friend attempted to pursue MAID in Vermont. The obstacles were insurmountable and this motivated her to create an easier pathway for others, so The Comfort Project was created.
Co-founder Patty Dunn has provided emotional and practical support to people facing the end of life and living with loss for 32 years in professional and volunteer roles. Her roles have included: trained hospice volunteer, manager, caregiver at 14-bed hospice residence; founder and care partner of end-of-life caregiving service for people in their homes. She was also the manager of non-medical hospice programs, a peer support counselor, educator for grieving individuals, families and children.
Support Our Mission!
Your Donation Matters
Two years ago, when Vermont first allowed people from out-of-state to access Medical Aid in Dying, the Southern Vermont Wayfinders—now The Comfort Project—began to work with local doctors, hospices, homeowners, and others to create a system and structure to support the many people who wanted to come to Vermont to choose to die on their own terms.
When we began this work, we offered all our services on a volunteer basis. Now, with ever increasing demand, much of our time continues to be volunteer, however financial support is needed to cover our insurance and administrative obligations.
Your donations allow us to sustain our work. It will also allow us to support those who don’t have the resources to bear all the expenses that this process entails. A donation of any size makes a difference.