I am Penn State Health: Ally Lewis

Ally Lewis of Decedent Care Services provides guidance and support to families of patients who have died.

While many people dread talking with a grieving friend – let alone a stranger – for fear of saying the wrong thing, Ally Lewis says the important interactions she has as supervisor of Decedent Care Services at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center makes hers a “dream job.”

“You can almost see a family member breathe a sigh of relief when I say, ‘I’m here to help you.’ It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to offer that to someone,” said Lewis, whose duties, in addition to supporting the families of patients who have died, may include meeting with the funeral home director, getting the death certificate signed, participating in the autopsy and helping the Anatomic Pathology Department with anything needed.

Watch video: Find out why Ally says she’s proud to work here.

Users on clinical workstations at Hershey Medical Center: Click here.

This is the Best Part of Working at Penn State Health

I get to work with an awesome, diverse group of people every day. There are only six of us, and we may get 14 calls a day, but we’re there with the family within 45 minutes. How we are able to come together to help the family, the staff and whoever needs us is energizing and rewarding.

Favorite Project

As part of a hospice project called the Compassionate Closure Project, we talk with low-income families to see if they qualify for help in paying for funeral arrangements for loved ones. There aren’t many programs that are able to help families with this.

My Part in the Big Picture

Just because patients pass on doesn’t mean they’re not still patients here. Our staff is in 24/7, and your loved one will not be alone. We know where they are, and we are watching them and taking care of them.

How I Spend my Free Time

I run three to six miles a day. I run uphill until I can’t run anymore!

Three Things I Can’t Live Without

1. Coffee
2. Mascara
3. My running shoes

On My Bucket List

I want to go to Egypt to see the Pyramids.

Surprise!

I’m only 32 years old, but I crochet! I make sweaters and tank tops, not the usual hats and scarves that grandmas make.

What Others Say About Ally

“Ally is well-deserving to be recognized for her efforts and she’s an awesome employee and person.”
~ Michelle Walls, manager, pathology and laboratory medicine

This is Why I’m Proud to Work Here

I’m so proud to be part of the Decedent Care team. I’ve never met a more dedicated or empathetic group of people in my life.

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