(Keisha's farewell message to the other students in her UVM End-of-Life Doula class. Shared with permission.) My name is LaKeisha Lay, I am 46 years old and in 2016 I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Mycosis Fungoides aka Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. Its a blood cancer that affects that skin. In 2017, I was put on… Continue reading My Story, My Journey by Keisha
Children are naturally curious. Sometimes they ask BIG questions. I did. When I was 6 or 7, I asked my grandmother if she was going to die. Just like that. Clear out of the blue. She told me she would (“someday”) and that she was not afraid. She had lived a good life. This clearly… Continue reading Tips for Talking with Kids about Loss
Allyship is a hallmark of doula care. Doulas provide inclusive, compassionate care. A doula will NOT disrespect a client on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other factor. Today marks the first day of… Continue reading Allyship
“I’m alive,” my hospice client answers after I ask him how he is today. I find myself at a crossroads. Do I take an easy out or lean in? I could keep it light and respond with a smile and some humor, e.g., “I can see that.” Or, I could ask if there’s more he… Continue reading Don’t Skirt the Serious Stuff
My initiation into the realm of end-of-life care presented itself unexpectedly when my grandfather was dying. I showed up largely unprepared for what I was entering into, which is the case for all doula work, truly. We don’t know exactly what will be asked of us or how we’ll support ahead of time. My grandmother… Continue reading Death Doula Initiation
