When the Road Ahead Feels Uncertain, You Don't Have to Walk It Alone.

Sojourn with Susan

Providing emotional support, practical guidance, and advocacy for individuals and families navigating serious illness and end-of-life planning.

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How I Can Support You

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Compassionate Companion

A calm, caring presence who offers emotional support, deep listening, and steady companionship through life's most difficult transitions.

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Experienced Navigator

Drawing from firsthand experience as a caregiver and Power of Attorney, I understand the emotional and practical realities families face.

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Practical Guidance

I help individuals and families navigate important conversations, organize essential information, and prepare for the journey ahead with greater clarity and confidence.

Hi, I'm Susan, founder of Sojourn with Susan.

My journey to becoming a Death Doula was shaped through firsthand experiences as both a caregiver and Power of Attorney for a close friend. Walking alongside someone through serious illness and ultimately navigating the many emotional, practical, and financial responsibilities that followed gave me a deep understanding of just how overwhelming these experiences can be, for both individuals and the people who love them.

Through those experiences, I discovered the profound difference that compassionate support, advocacy, and practical guidance can make during life's most vulnerable moments.

I believe that no one should have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you need a compassionate listener, a trusted guide, or help organizing the many details that accompany life's final chapter, I am honored to walk beside you every step of the way.

12+

Years

Helping others navigate complex healthcare and insurance systems.

2026

Graduate

Certified Death Doula with specialized end-of-life training.

100%

Personalized Care

Every individual and family receives support tailored to their unique needs, wishes, and journey.

My Services

Support for Every Stage of the Journey

You don't have to navigate serious illness, caregiving, or end-of-life decisions alone. I provide compassionate guidance and practical support for individuals and families every step of the way.

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Compassionate Support

A steady presence through life's most difficult moments.

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Practical Preparation

Helping you prepare, organize, and plan with greater peace of mind.

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Advocacy & Guidance

Supporting individuals and families as they navigate the road ahead.

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"We're all just walking each other home." — Ram Dass

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"We're all just walking each other home." — Ram Dass - 

How it works

Start the Conversation → Build Your Roadmap → Walk the Journey Together

1.

Begin with a Conversation

Every journey begins with a conversation. We'll meet to discuss your diagnosis, current concerns, hopes, and the support you or your loved ones may need during this season of life.

2.

Create a Personalized Plan

Together, we'll identify your priorities, clarify wishes, organize important information, and create a plan that reflects your unique needs, values, and goals.

3.

Receive Ongoing Support

Whether through weekly visits, regular check-ins, or support during key transitions, I'll walk alongside you and your family—providing compassionate companionship, advocacy, and practical guidance every step of the way.

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

  • Hospice and death doulas often work beautifully together, but they serve different roles. Hospice provides medical care, symptom management, and clinical support through nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. As a death doula, I provide non-medical support that focuses on emotional companionship, practical guidance, advocacy, meaningful conversations, and helping individuals and families navigate the many personal and logistical aspects of serious illness and end-of-life planning.

  • Yes. While I primarily serve individuals and families in Northeast Ohio, virtual appointments are available for clients anywhere in the United States.

    Many conversations, planning sessions, caregiver support meetings, and family discussions can be effectively facilitated virtually.

  • No. I do not provide legal, financial, or medical advice.

    However, I can help you identify important questions to ask, organize essential information, and prepare for conversations with attorneys, financial professionals, healthcare providers, or other members of your care team.

  • There is no "right" time. Some people seek support immediately after receiving a serious diagnosis, while others reach out as caregivers, during hospice care, or simply because they want to prepare for the future.

    Many families find that the earlier they begin planning and having important conversations, the more peace of mind they experience along the way.

  • That's completely okay and very common. Many people reach out simply because they feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or don't know where to begin.

    Our initial conversation is an opportunity to talk about your situation, explore your concerns, and determine whether working together feels like the right fit for you and your family.