Today we’d like to introduce you to Kacie Gikonyo.
Kacie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a Registered Nurse who’s worked with patients at the end of life for over 12 years. During Covid, I saw over 100 people die in just 4-6 weeks. These people died terrible deaths, either suffering or without saying goodbye to their loved ones. It was during this time that I realized I had a passion for helping people die a more beautiful death. I did everything I could to reach each dying Covid patient. I would remove my gloves and touch their hand to remind them they aren’t alone. I’d remove my goggles, FaceTime their family, do anything I could do to make the experience more human and less lonely. My passion for wanting to help people die a more beautiful death led me to explore how I could further my career in this manner. I began searching and stumbled upon Death Doula training. Once I read what a Death Doula is, I knew this was exactly what I was supposed to do.
So, what is a Death Doula? A Death Doula is similar to a birthing Doula, just on the oppose end of life. A birthing Doula helps people safely labor into this world. A Death Doula helps someone to safely labor out of this world.
I took the Death Doula training and immediately felt the calling to get my name and my mission out there. There’s a lack of education regarding death and dying, and I have a dream to change that. In October of 2022, I opened my own Death Consulting company providing Death Doula services as well as Death Education.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a crazy ride, that’s for sure! Working in the realm of death and dying means that your first obstacle is to try and remove the negative stigma surrounding death. Every single human being on this planet will die someday, but it’s something that we rarely talk about or even acknowledge. Some people plainly don’t want to hear or talk about death, so removing that stigma is my biggest obstacle.
In my mission to change the stigma surrounding death, I provide death education to everyone I can reach. From people with a fear of death and dying to healthcare providers. I also have a passion for helping other Death Doulas grow and succeed, so I provide education in that aspect as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of End of Life Consulting Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
End of Life Consulting Co. is a consulting company that assists and guides in all things end of life. As a Registered Nurse specialized in end of life and a Death Doula, I am able to provide invaluable support and assistance at the end of life.
I provide 1:1 Death Doula services to clients at or nearing the end of life. Working with clients who are nearing the end of life age-wise, or clients who have received a terminal diagnosis at any age. I provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to a client and their loved ones at the end of life. I am also able to assist in end of life planning and preparation to make for a more beautiful exit.
End of life Consulting Co. also provides Death Education for healthcare professionals, Death Doulas, and the general public. Holding educational courses and workshops while also providing Keynote Speaking on Death and Dying with promotion of the Death Doula role.
What sets me aside from others? Most Death Doulas are non-medical support systems who help at end of life. I have extensive medical training regarding the body and its processes at the end of life. I am able to work hand in hand with hospice to provide a much higher level of care and compassion at end of life than hospice alone. If you’re interested in learning more about death and dying, follow me on social media for educational content and Death Doula stories!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am an autism mom! One of my littles was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 years old, and this opened and expanded the way my mind thinks about everything. I am able to utilize the education and training I’ve been provided about Autism, to ensure that my clients receive a truly sensory-friendly experience at the end of life! I also have experience working with developmentally disabled adults at the end of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coachingwithkacie.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/endoflifewithkacie?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086696492390&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacie-gikonyo-3207b963
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Deathdoulakacie
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@deathdoulakacie?_t=8dJICFT55De&_r=1
