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My Near-Death Experience inspired me to become a Death Doula – From Emergency Room Nurse to End-of-Life Guide

I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to caring for others. I started out as an EMT when I was 18 years old. I later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked in the ER as an emergency nurse. In 2013, I found myself hospitalized for over three months, most of it in the ICU, on a ventilator. I endured a series of daunting health challenges, including a blood clot in my lung, sepsis, kidney failure, and multiple abdominal surgeries resulting from a medical error, all culminating in a near-death experience (NDE).

Even though I was surrounded by friends and family, I was terrified and felt alone. My husband, an EMT himself, was completely overwhelmed and felt helpless. We were young and had not yet completed any advance care planning, and he was forced into the position of making medical decisions for me.
After ten months at home managing an ileostomy and a large open wound, I underwent a complete abdominal wall reconstruction in April of 2014.

This profound journey taught me the art of surrender and filled me with an immense sense of compassion for those facing a health crisis or end-of-life. I was no longer afraid of death. I emerged with a mission to support others in embracing death as a natural part of life, and to create a space where it’s okay to talk openly about it. I now work to educate others about their choices and options so they can have a peaceful, personalized death experience. I’ve learned that discussing and planning for death can lessen fear and prevent unexpected outcomes. Like birth, death can be a journey we navigate with love and courage, and I’m here to help guide others through this incredible transition.