Portsmouth Survivor Comforts Dying Hospital Patients Alone

When Portsmouth Regional Hospital saved Eric Sirles' life in 2022, he knew exactly how he wanted to say thank you.

The Portsmouth resident, now 48, nearly died during his third battle with COVID-19 four years ago. The experience changed him forever, but not in the way you might expect.

Instead of moving on from the trauma, Sirles walked right back into the hospital. He joined the No One Dies Alone program, a volunteer service that ensures dying patients never spend their final moments without human connection.

The program serves two vital groups. Some patients have no family to be with them as they face death. Others have exhausted loved ones who need a break from their bedside vigil.

Sirles sits quietly with patients in their final hours. He holds hands, reads aloud, or simply provides a peaceful presence. Sometimes he talks. Sometimes he just listens.

Amy Lester, director of volunteer services at Portsmouth Regional, said having Sirles on the team means everything. His own brush with death gives him a unique perspective on what patients might be feeling.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story so powerful is the circle it creates. The same doctors and nurses who fought to keep Sirles alive now watch him fight for dignity on behalf of others. He transformed his darkest moment into light for strangers facing their last.

In a world that often rushes past suffering, Sirles chooses to slow down. He proves that sometimes the most profound way to heal ourselves is to show up for someone else.

Every shift he volunteers, Sirles fulfills a simple promise: no one has to be alone when it matters most.