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.”
We guide and support you through the steps prior to and through the day you ingest the medication.
We clarify complex information about eligibility requirements for Medical Aid in Dying (MAID).
We help you coordinate with your medical team in Vermont: doctors, hospice and pharmacist.
We assist in identifying appropriate local lodging during your visits to Vermont for doctor's appointments, and we assist you in locating a safe setting to ingest the medication.
We provide information to help you coordinate funeral arrangements.
On the day you ingest the medication, two team members remain present with your family and friends until the process is complete.
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 leading up to the day you ingest the medication.
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.”
Who We Are
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. Watching her friend struggle through this process, motivated her to create an easier pathway for others, and 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.
The Comfort Project consists of eight team members who are part of the Wayfinders network established by Patient Choices Vermont. We have been supporting out-of-state residents since the MAID Vermont residency requirement was removed in 2023. We have extensive experience in hospice and palliative care, are all trained in Medical Aid in Dying and participate in on-going training in this new field.
The Comfort Project feels it is an honor to help those who have the clarity and determination to complete their life in the way they know is right for them.
“You are truly angels on earth! We would not have made it through this without your help.”
Getting Started
If you haven’t already filled out the form called Inquiry Form for Patients, Families & Friends on the Patient Choices of Vermont website, then please fill it out by clicking here.
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 Comfort Project 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.
“Gratitude beyond words to you for your support and generosity on this journey to a peaceful death for my friend.”
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 relieve their suffering.
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.
Donations you make 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 is greatly appreciated.