Kathy Benich Missouri EOL Doula
After caring for my late husband, John, during his cancer journey, I realized the importance of both practical guidance and emotional support in end-of-life care. With firsthand experience in grief and loss, I transitioned from a 30-year career in HR systems and healthcare advisory to become a death doula, focusing on grief support, loss navigation, and death literacy.
In 2023, I completed end-of life-doula training from the University of Vermont. I’m currently working toward a pediatric certificate from there as well. I also earned a certificate as a life coach and completed training with Francesca Arnoldy for death literacy and legacy project workshops. I founded Marigold Path to support caregivers and patients throughout the process.
Additional patient-centered roles include leadership roles with PIVOT (a patient research advocacy group with the KU Cancer Center), where I share my lived cancer experience to collaborate with researchers to bring the voice of the cancer patient. I also co-facilitate grief support groups with Solace House Center for Grief & Healing, a program of Kansas City Hospice. In addition, I’m secretary of two boards, Gilda’s Club KC, a resource to provide cancer patients with support and community and NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Alliance), a professional association for end-of-life doulas.