September 09, 2025

Finding Purpose: From Death Doula Training to Community Educator for Ancora Hospice

43 minutes

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Karen Midlo

When Karen unexpectedly lost her husband, she embarked on a journey that reshaped her understanding of life and death, moving from her demanding role as an executive director in senior living during the COVID-19 pandemic to finding her true calling as a certified death doula and grief educator. In this episode, Karen shares her transformative experiences, showing how moments of deep challenge fueled her passion to support seniors and their families. Together, we navigate the complex landscape of end-of-life choices, including Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), clarifying misconceptions and highlighting their significance. With an emphasis on clear communication and family support, we examine the impact of dementia on planning, drawing attention to valuable resources like the dementia toolkit from Compassion and Choices that help ensure informed, personalized decisions. Karen also reflects on the sacredness of end-of-life experiences, illustrating how, with the right education and support, these moments can shift from fearful to profoundly meaningful. Through her personal stories and dedication to community education, the episode underscores the importance of embracing conversations about death, concluding with gratitude for Karen’s invaluable contributions and anticipation for future discussions that will continue to illuminate the profound journey of life and its inevitable end.

(00:02) Finding Purpose in End of Life

(10:08) Exploring End-of-Life Choices and Planning

(18:18) Embracing Life and End-of-Life Education

(28:42) Empowering End-of-Life Education and Support

(38:16) End-of-Life Education and Support

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Meet our guest:

Karen Midlo

End-of-Life Doula & Certified Grief Educator

Email: [email protected]

Cell Phone: 281-910-3313

Website: endoflifedoulasid.doulagiverslegacyleaders.com

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By Suzanne B. O’Brien RN

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