In my over 15 years as a family photojournalist I’ve had the honor of witnessing many individuals transition from this life to the next. I’ve watched both of my parents care for their parents through their final days and deaths and I’ve cared for my father as he navigated a life threatening diagnosis and through his transition. Since 2019, I’ve supported the dying and their communities physically, emotionally and practically both virtually and in person. My experience as a death doula also extends to supporting those navigating the steady waves of grief after sudden and traumatic loss.
Through education, normalization, validation, resource sharing and being an unflinching witness, it’s my goal to help reduce fear around the inevitability of death, be a source of comfort to you and yours before, during and after transition and empower you to take ownership of your life and death while you can.
What I can offer
-
Advocacy
I’ll provide non medical information and resources to help you and yours understand the options available to you at the end of life and after.
-
Practical Support
With the main goal of creating space for the dying and their caregivers to focus on what’s important, I can provide support through cooking, cleaning, organizing, facilitating hard conversations with loved ones & helping to create environments that support ever changing needs.
-
A container to process
I’ll be an anchor as you navigate the steady waves of grief wherever you are in this process.
“Dying is not a physical event. It’s not a medical event. It’s an emotional, communal, and social event.
Barbara Karnes
There are two ways we can die: suddenly or gradually. For those who are dying gradually from old age or disease, I can help you and your loved ones understand what is happening to your body, what signs to look for as death approaches, care for your caregivers and support the process of finding peace through wrapping up important business and saying goodbyes. For those who have died suddenly, I can be an anchor to the loved ones left behind and help to keep their world moving, allowing time to process and heal without distractions from the outside and ensuring they are cared for. For all clients, I can help facilitate legacy projects, provide documentary photography, assist with home and document organization and funeral planning, including home funerals.
Every death is different and so is each way I can provide care. If you’re considering working with me, let’s set up a time to meet over FaceTime or in person to make sure you feel that I’m the right fit. All exploratory meetings are free.
All images on this page are © Heather Gallagher Photography