For more than two decades, Dave Glover’s voice has been a familiar presence for St. Louisans during their evening commutes. As host of The Dave Glover Show on KMOX, he’s entertained with humor and curiosity. A few months ago, however, Dave’s voice took on a quieter role—as a volunteer with Bethesda Hospice Care’s “No One Dies Alone” (NODA) program.
Dave’s path to hospice volunteering was very personal. In early 2024, his 96-year-old mother, who had lived a full and vibrant life, suffered two falls. The first was a minor setback, but the second resulted in a spiral fracture of her hip, requiring surgery. After four months at Bethesda Dilworth, she passed away in July. During his mother’s stay, Dave was introduced to the NODA program. Initially, he admits, he didn’t quite understand what it was all about.
“The words didn’t compute,” he recalls. “The thought of someone who didn’t know me or my family staying with my mother—it seemed extraordinary. Who would do that?”
The NODA program is mentioned twice to hospice patients and their families—during admission and when the patient is in their last few days. As Julie Strassman, Bethesda Hospice Care’s Manager of Support Services explains, families often don’t fully grasp the program’s value until they experience it firsthand.
“Families are often exhausted—physically and emotionally,” says Julie. “Having someone to sit vigil gives them peace of mind, whether they’re out of town or taking a break. That reassurance makes all the difference.”
That peace of mind became very real for Dave in his mother’s final days. Many NODA volunteers (Jeannine, Teresa, Andrea, Melissa and Don) sat with his mother when he and other family members couldn’t be there. Their commitment ensured she was never alone, even in the quiet hours of the night. Don was by her side at 4 a.m. when she passed, and left thoughtful notes detailing her peaceful final moments to be shared with Dave and his family.
“I didn’t feel guilty because she wasn’t alone,” Dave says, his voice heavy with emotion. “It’s as good of a dying experience as anyone could ask for. That compassion—that presence—made all the difference.”
Knowing what those volunteers had done for his mother, Dave felt compelled to pay it forward and join the program himself. While Dave had participated in countless charitable events throughout his broadcast career, this felt different.
“I used to show up at events, crack jokes and sign autographs—and get much more credit than I felt I deserved,” he says. “But this—this is real. It challenges you in ways you never expect.”
Training to become a NODA volunteer was intense, but Dave embraced it. The six-session training taught him to recognize signs of discomfort, advocate for patients and provide emotional support. Dave was driven by the understanding that his mother’s NODA volunteers had made a difference in her final moments, and he wanted to offer that same comfort and companionship to someone else.
“This is like the Navy SEALs of volunteering,” says Dave. “You walk away feeling prepared for anything.”
Once trained, NODA volunteers like Dave receive texts about once a week with requests for help. He has already sat vigil many times.
Dave also completed training as a Hospice “Caring Companion,” and thanks to Melissa Helmkamp, Bethesda Hospice Care’s Volunteer Coordinator, he was matched with Bethesda Dilworth resident Jackie Whitworth. A sharp-witted former teacher and principal, Jackie appreciates the companionship that Dave provides.
“From day one, we just got each other,” Dave says. “We talk about everything—from daily complaints to personal tragedies to crazy college stories. She doesn’t hold back.”
Their bond has deepened through weekly visits. Every Thursday, Dave arrives with fresh flowers and Italian pastries from Missouri Baking Company, including Jackie’s favorite cream puffs.
“She tells him things she doesn’t share with anyone else,” says Jackie’s daughter, Buffy Einspanier. “Knowing my Mom has Dave and the Hospice Care volunteers is a huge comfort.”
For Dave, the connection is equally meaningful. While the idea of being present during a patient’s final moments once felt overwhelming, he now finds it deeply rewarding. Though he has not yet experienced a patient passing in his presence, he feels prepared for when the time comes.
“You’re there to serve that person,” he explains. “In those moments, nothing else matters. It’s about giving them that comfort and dignity.”
Reflecting on the past year, Dave acknowledges how much his life has changed. From the heartbreak of losing his mother to discovering a profound sense of purpose as a hospice volunteer, he feels immense gratitude knowing his presence brings comfort to others in their most vulnerable times.
Dave often shares his experiences on his talk show, encouraging others to get involved.
“There are so many ways to help,” he says. “Whether it’s sitting vigil or simply visiting someone, this work fills your life with meaning.”
To learn more or find information on being a NODA Volunteer, visit Bethesda Hospice Care’s page.
