About Serenity 

Serenity was born out of a deep personal tragedy, that left a gaping wound in our hearts. It all began on a bitterly cold November day in 2018, when my mother suffered an unexpected and life-altering medical episode at home. During those early, agonizing days at the hospital, we were faced with conflicting and often confusing opinions from multiple neurologists regarding the state of her brain function. These differing viewpoints complicated our ability to make informed decisions, and as a result, end-of-life care was never presented to us as an option. This omission left our family to endure her passing without the critical support and guidance we so desperately needed. We had never spoken openly about death as a family, nor had we made any meaningful preparations for it. This lack of candid discussion and planning left us deeply vulnerable to the immense emotional trauma that followed her death. We had been abandoned and left alone with our mother as she lay dying. We were completely uneducated about what the dying process could look like, and this lack of knowledge thrust us, unprepared, into chaos and a level of pain that could have been mitigated with proper guidance and care. Sadly, we had fallen through the cracks of traditional end-of-life support systems, such as hospice or palliative care. 

After my mother’s passing, I became determined to find a better, more compassionate way for families to prepare for and navigate the complexities of death. That’s when I first stumbled across the remarkable concept of End-of-Life Doulas (EOLDs). Intrigued and inspired, I threw myself into learning everything I could about the invaluable care, support, and guidance these doulas provide to both the dying and their loved ones. I discovered that an EOLD has the unique ability to step in during sudden and unexpected end-of-life situations, offering comfort, clarity, and much-needed support at a time when families feel lost and overwhelmed. I was absolutely amazed at the extraordinary depth of care these doulas provide, meeting families right where they are in their journey, without judgment or preconceived expectations, and walking alongside them with compassion and understanding during their most vulnerable moments.

When my dad’s health began to decline shortly after my mom’s death, I began applying the knowledge and insights I had gained about End-of-Life Doulas. For the first time in my life, the fear, discomfort, and stigma surrounding conversations about death began to dissolve. For my dad, the topic of dying became less intimidating and more approachable, and he began to feel truly safe discussing it with me. Those conversations, which had once felt impossible, started to feel natural and meaningful. We had even practiced guided visualizations, where he told me his fondest memories. Sadly, his health worsened, and by July 15, 2021, he entered the active dying phase. Once again, hospice and palliative care were not options for us, as his decline happened too suddenly. This time, however, we were prepared. Thanks to the heartfelt conversations we had shared, the education I had immersed myself in about end-of-life care, and our steadfast faith in God, I was able to sit by my dad’s side and comfort him in his final moments. As the end drew near, I lovingly repeated to him, his happiest and fondest memories he had shared with me—of my mom and the life they had shared together. I told him that she was waiting for him, and in an instant, he was gone. My dad’s passing was peaceful and serene, a stark and almost unrecognizable contrast to my mom’s. He left this world knowing he was deeply and unconditionally loved, and he was supported with compassionate care until his very last breath.

In 2022, I proudly became a certified End-of-Life Doula. My mission is to provide the same invaluable education, heartfelt guidance, and compassionate support that I was so fortunate to offer my dad, helping other families find a sense of peace, strength, and even hope during one of life’s most difficult and emotionally charged transitions.