Nicole Briggs-Gary's Journey from Childhood Tragedy to Death Doula

RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- After witnessing her uncle's death at the age of eight, Nicole Briggs-Gary embarked on a journey that would eventually lead her to become a death doula, supporting families through the most difficult moments of their lives. Briggs-Gary's story is one of personal transformation and the discovery of a new purpose that began with a childhood encounter with death.

Released on September 9, 2026, the anthology includes contributions from 15 authors, including Briggs-Gary, who explore themes of healing, change, self-discovery, and finding new direction.

The book, which reached the bestseller charts in multiple categories, including Biography Reference & Collections, Mental & Spiritual Healing, and related categories, across the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, was compiled by Vickie Gould, founder of Life Changing Energy, and published by Morning Oak Publishing. All proceeds from the book benefit the Brighter Healing Foundation, which supports the expansion of access to holistic healing education, resources, and support.

Briggs-Gary's journey from corporate burnout to becoming a death doula is a testament to the profound impact of early life experiences. At eight years old, she witnessed the death of her uncle, an event that stayed with her for decades. While family members struggled with shock and grief, Briggs-Gary approached her uncle's body, gently touched his hands and face, and kissed his forehead goodbye. She then gathered warm towels for grieving relatives and began softly playing the piano, creating a moment of comfort amid the confusion.

Years later, as an adult, Briggs-Gary found herself overwhelmed by corporate work, personal trauma, and a growing sense of disconnection from her life. Questioning her purpose and searching for a new direction, she unexpectedly encountered a social media video featuring Alua Arthur, founder of Going with Grace, discussing the work of death doulas. This introduction introduced her to a profession she had never known existed.

A death doula provides nonmedical support to individuals and families before, during, and after death, helping them navigate practical, emotional, and personal aspects of the end-of-life experience. Briggs-Gary enrolled in Going with Grace's end-of-life training program, eventually becoming a facilitator for the organization. She also expanded her work to include Reiki, sound therapy, breathwork, mindfulness, and integrative wellness practices.

Through her experiences supporting families, Briggs-Gary began questioning the common assumption that helping someone through death requires constant activity, reassurance, or attempts to make difficult emotions disappear. During one end-of-life visit, she noticed family members struggling with tension and anxiety as their loved one was dying. Rather than rushing to offer solutions, she slowed down, grounded herself, and invited a family member to place their feet in a bowl of warm water. The simple sensory experience helped create an opportunity for the family to settle, breathe, and remain present with their loved one.

Briggs-Gary's story reflects one of the central themes of "The Moment We Rise": discovering a new purpose sometimes requires revisiting experiences from the past and recognizing how they have shaped the person we are becoming. Her journey from a childhood encounter with death to becoming a death doula is a powerful example of how personal experiences can lead to profound transformation and a meaningful career.