Ann Leach

For most of us, the subject of death is not an easy subject to talk about. After the passing of Ann Leach’s mother to lung cancer, she had conversations about death with many people. This inspired her life work. Today, she is the founder and president of Life Preservers: A Global Grief Support Community.

Remembering the insights that Ann learned during her past experiences of caring for her mother, she uses Life Preservers to heal and provide assistance to others going though similar hardships. Ann’s optimism, passion to support caregivers, and her motto of heading “onward and upward” stand as an example of the endless possibilities that can be accomplished when we face our fears and open up to the world around us. Ann comments, “We are each on our own path of learning the lessons we most need to learn at this time through the experiences we’ve chosen to have in our lives.”

For more information about Ann and her work, read her story in “Women as Healers: Voices of Vibrancy.”

Author of The Unexpected Caregiver and Mental Fitness Instructor’s Guide, Kari has also developed a series of one-minute educational video and radio segments to help raise awareness of family and informal caregivers.

Kari’s lifework is to change our perceptions and beliefs about the aging process and our roles as caregivers. She often tells family caregivers, “We don’t have a rulebook for aging and are not trained as caregivers. We don’t have to do this work alone; in fact, we’re not meant to.”

For more information about Kari, read her story in “Women as Healers: Voices of Vibrancy.”

Linda Rock

It is perfectly clear that Linda Rock is living her passion. After witnessing firsthand how many healthcare providers struggle with how to care for chronically ill patients, Linda began searching for a better alternative. She found one in hospice. After being introduced to hospice care in the 1980’s as a volunteer, Linda continues her dream job as the Executive Director of Prairie Haven Hospice in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Throughout her experiences with caring for patients and their families, Linda has learned the healing power of abiding. “Abiding with someone means I am present with a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” Linda’s belief in being fully present has helped many in the painful transition of loss.

In her working environment, Linda is surrounded by grief. Yet, hospice has given Linda an optimistic outlook on the future. Because so much of life is unknown, Linda advocates that everyday should be filled with laughter, forgiveness, and a sense of duty to others. “If we can keep these central in our lives, the end of life can be a time of peace, grace, and yes, even joy.”

To read Linda’s beautiful story, click here.