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Chris Moss is a compassionate, creative force at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and as the customer service supervisor, oversees volunteers and in-kind donations. Chriss role is far more than just a jobits a mission of service, filled with stories of giving, connection, and hope.
Its an amazing place to work. You dont work here because you have to. Its because you want to.
Always finding creative ways to make a difference, Chris works closely with Huntsman Cancer Foundation, organizing donations of items like blankets, hats, and toys, while also gathering non-perishable items for the patient and family food pantry at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Whether its providing handmade pillows or organizing gift bags for patients, Chris never hesitates to go the extra mile.
His impact extends well beyond the basic needs of patients. With a unique flair, he has helped patients find creative wigs, and he has strong rapport with nurses and staff, who frequently ask for items as simple as adult coloring books to help brighten someones day.
One memory that stands out for Chris was a generous donation from a glioblastoma patient and his wife. They arrived with a U-Haul full of blanketsnearly 2,000 in totaland during the first snowstorm of 2023, every single patient in the infusion room received some warmth and comfort during a difficult time. That donation had a large impact on me, he recalls.
For Chris, every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact, whether hes helping a family during the holidays or receiving heartfelt donations from Eagle Scouts in honor of loved ones. He strives to meet each family where they are, understanding that every situation is differentsome families want to share stories, while others prefer quiet comfort.
Sometimes, the simplest gestures have the deepest impact. Chris once found himself with a collection of teddy bears from the 1980s and 1990s, unsure of what to do with them. On a whim, he began handing them out to patients. One woman, moved to tears, shared a story about her mothers cancer treatment and said the stuffed animal would sit beside her mothers memory. Its not all fun, Chris admits, For every positive outcome, there are ones not as fortunate.
Starting with only six volunteers, Chris now supervises more than 100. Volunteers do everything from greeting patients and giving directions, to wiping down beds in the infusion room. Chris also oversees the scheduled visits of nine therapy dogs and two miniature horses. One day, I hope to have therapy animals available in every part of the hospital, he says.
Chris is proud of the atmosphere the volunteers create. About half of them are staff from across the university system, which makes them especially connected to Huntsman Cancer Institutes mission. Its an amazing place to work, he says. You dont work here because you have to. Its because you want to. Every patient Ive interacted with tells me that they can feel the positivity from everyone here.
Chriss love for Huntsman Cancer Institute started while working in the Family Cancer Assessment Clinic, where his knowledge of genetics quickly grew into a passion. From there, he moved into clinical research, and then to his role as a new patient coordinator before stepping into his current position. Through it all, Chris credits Mason Milligan, customer service manager at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and ALisha Finch, director of business operations at Huntsman Cancer Institute, for their unwavering support. Theyve been amazing sounding boards and given me the ability and support to grow this department. Im so grateful.
Chriss journey continues as he finds new ways to uplift patients and families, ensuring that everythinga blanket, a teddy bear, or a conversationbrings a little more comfort into the world.