Lighting the Path: A New Concept of Hospice Care

Jerry Fenter
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Lighting the Path is here as a guide to help anyone with a life-limiting illness have a better end of life experience. Our goal is to provide you with honest, clear, and unbiased information about hospice and palliative care.

  1. How to Support Grieving Children; Insights from a Child Life Specialist

    Jun 9

    How to Support Grieving Children; Insights from a Child Life Specialist

    In this episode, we sit down with child life specialist Katie Ransdell to explore how children experience grief and how hospice professionals can better support them. Katie shares her journey into the field of child life, practical insights for working with grieving children, and meaningful stories from her work that highlight the power of presence and connection. About Our Guest Katie Ransdell is a certified child life specialist dedicated to supporting children and families through serious illness, grief, and loss. Her work focuses on helping children express emotions, understand complex experiences, and feel seen and supported during difficult times. Episode Summary What does it look like to truly support a grieving child? Child life specialist Katie Ransdell joins us to share her expertise in helping children navigate serious illness, loss, and grief. With compassion and clarity, Katie explains how her role developed, what child life specialists actually do, and how hospice teams can provide developmentally appropriate, emotionally attuned care to children. Whether you are a chaplain, social worker, nurse, or volunteer, this conversation offers practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for engaging children during some of life's most difficult moments. What You'll Learn p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How Katie Ransdell became a child life specialist and what drew her to this work p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The role of a child life specialist in supporting children through illness, death, and grief p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Common misconceptions about how children understand death at different developmental stages p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Practical ways hospice professionals can show up for grieving children with confidence and compassion p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The importance of play, language, and presence in helping children process loss p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Memorable stories from Katie's work that illustrate the impact of simple, meaningful connection Key Takeaways p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Children grieve differently than adults, and their understanding of death evolves with age and development p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Honest, age-appropriate communication builds trust and reduces fear p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Presence matters more than having the "right" words p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Small interactions—through play, art, or conversation—can have lasting impact p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Hospice teams can support both children and their caregivers by modeling openness and emotional safety You can learn more about Katie and her organization, Grief Garden, at Grief Garden | Children's grief support | Omaha, NE, USA Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    29 min
  2. How to Preserve a Loved One's Legacy Using Modern Technology

    May 26

    How to Preserve a Loved One's Legacy Using Modern Technology

    In this episode, Dawn Delaloye returns to talk about Reflekta, a digital platform designed to help people preserve memories, stories, and legacies of the people they love. Dawn shares the origin story of Reflekta, the need the founders saw, and the mission that continues to shape their work: giving people a meaningful way to remember, honor, and stay connected with loved ones through story and intentional reflection. Dawn walks us through how Reflekta works and how individuals and families can use it to collect and store legacy information about loved ones—whether they are still living or have already died. Reflekta allows users to gather photos, videos, audio clips, written stories, and even voice recordings in one secure online space, creating a living archive of memory and meaning that can be revisited and shared over time. A significant part of the conversation focuses on the role of technology and AI in grief support. Dawn and Jerry acknowledge the concerns many people have about AI and new digital tools, especially when it comes to something as tender as loss and remembrance. Together, they explore how technology, when thoughtfully designed and ethically used, can actually enhance our ability to remember, reflect, and connect across generations—not replace human connection, but support it. Listeners will hear practical ideas for using Reflekta: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Inviting family members to share stories and upload media to build a collective memory space p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Recording or uploading voice messages to preserve the unique sound and presence of a loved one p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Using prompts and reflections to help process grief and keep bonds alive through storytelling If you are supporting someone who is grieving, working in end-of-life care, or simply wanting to be more intentional about preserving your own family's stories, this episode offers a hopeful look at how digital legacy tools like Reflekta can become part of a compassionate, human-centered approach to grief and remembrance. You can learn more about Reflekta by visiting their website at Reflekta.ai.  Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    24 min
  3. Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope Before the Loss

    May 12

    Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope Before the Loss

    In this episode of Lighting the Path, grief and bereavement specialist Dawn Delaloye, PhD, shares the story of how she was drawn into walking alongside people in seasons of deep loss. She gently introduces the idea of anticipatory grief—the kind of grief that shows up before a death or major loss—and talks about when it can surface for patients, caregivers, and families who know that change is coming. Dawn names some of the common signs of anticipatory grief, like feeling on edge, tearful, exhausted, distracted, or "not like yourself," and reassures listeners that these are normal responses, not personal failures. From there, Dawn talks about how grieving before a loss feels different from grieving after a death, especially when you are still caregiving, making big decisions, and trying to hold on to small, meaningful moments at the same time. She offers kind, practical suggestions for how caregivers and family members can navigate this season—putting words to their emotions, making space for rest, creating memories with their loved one, and reaching out for support instead of trying to be "the strong one" all the time. The conversation closes with a list of resources and places to find help, so no one has to walk through anticipatory grief alone. To learn more about Dawn, visit her website at Sunrise Coaching.   Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    20 min
  4. Grief, Love, and Moving Forward: Jason Rosenthal on Life After Loss

    Apr 28

    Grief, Love, and Moving Forward: Jason Rosenthal on Life After Loss

    In this deeply moving episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry Fenter sits down with Jason Rosenthal—attorney turned therapist, author, and widower of acclaimed writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Just ten days before her death from ovarian cancer in 2017, Amy published a now-viral New York Times essay titled "You May Want to Marry My Husband." In it, she lovingly encouraged Jason to find happiness again after she was gone. What followed was an extraordinary public response—and a profoundly personal journey through grief. Jason reflects on what it was like to process loss while suddenly becoming a public figure. He shares how his grief was both deeply familiar and uniquely exposed, and how Amy's final act became a guiding light—not just for him, but for countless others navigating loss. In this conversation, Jason explores: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The emotional impact of Amy's final essay and how he responded to it p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What it means to "live fully" in the face of mortality p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The complexities of grieving in the public eye p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How writing his own book became a tool for healing and helping others p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The unexpected ripple effect of his TED Talk and the gratitude it inspired p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> His transition from a career in law to becoming a therapist focused on supporting others Jason also offers thoughtful, practical wisdom for those walking through grief—reminding us that while loss is universal, each journey through it is deeply personal. This episode is a powerful reflection on love, legacy, and the courage to keep living fully—even after profound loss. To read more about Jason, visit his website at www.jasonbrosenthal.com  Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    21 min
  5. Grief Support in Your Pocket: How Technology Provides Comfort with Help Texts

    Apr 14

    Grief Support in Your Pocket: How Technology Provides Comfort with Help Texts

    In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter talks with Melissa Lunardini, Chief Clinical Officer at Help Texts, about transforming grief support through technology. Help Texts is a pioneering service that sends thoughtful, personalized messages to people experiencing grief and loss — and just as importantly, to their friends and family who want to offer meaningful support but may not know how. Melissa explains the clinical philosophy behind Help Texts, the models that guide message design, and how the service helps normalize ongoing grief through timely, compassionate communication. She shares powerful testimonials from participants whose healing journeys were eased by receiving these messages, and discusses what demographic trends reveal — including that the largest user groups are adults aged 40–64 and 65+, and that men find the service particularly supportive. Together, Jerry and Melissa explore how grief can be met with empathy, connection, and innovative digital pathways that remind us all that healing begins with compassionate words. Learn more about Help Texts at www.helptexts.com. For pricing information please visit Pricing | Help Texts Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    27 min
  6. How to Support Grieving Children and Teens

    Mar 31

    How to Support Grieving Children and Teens

    Children experience grief differently from adults—yet their feelings are just as deep and real. In this episode of Lighting the Path,  Melissa Lunardini, Chief Clinical Officer for Help Texts and nationally recognized expert in children's grief, explores how we can better support children and teens who are grieving. Drawing on her 20 years of experience, Melissa dispels common myths about how children understand and express loss. She shares practical ways adults can offer genuine help without unintentionally causing harm—highlighting specific words and phrases to avoid when comforting younger children. Melissa also offers two key insights for helping grieving teens, whose needs often differ from younger children and adults alike. While grief touches all ages, she reminds us that the way people need to grieve can differ significantly based on age, development, and emotional capacity. The episode concludes with a helpful tool Melissa recommends for anyone—parents, teachers, clinicians, or clergy—who walks alongside children and teens in grief. Key Discussion Points: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Common misconceptions about how children grieve p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why language matters: what not to say to grieving children p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Two practical ways to support grieving teens p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Understanding developmental differences in the grieving process p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A practical tool to help children and teens process loss Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    27 min
  7. Get Griefy is Helping the World Share Stories of Loss and Hope

    Mar 17

    Get Griefy is Helping the World Share Stories of Loss and Hope

    In this follow-up episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter continues the conversation with Kera Sanchez, founder and editor of Get Griefy magazine. Kera shares how the idea for the magazine first came to her—quite literally—in the shower. Though she had no formal background in journalism, her passion for helping others share their stories of grief and loss led her to create a publication that now reaches readers across the globe. Through Get Griefy, people from every walk of life have found a place to express their experiences with loss, healing, and transformation. Kera reflects on some of her favorite published stories and how they've connected a worldwide community of grievers and creatives alike. The upcoming issue of Get Griefy focuses on women's issues—honoring resilience, vulnerability, and empowerment through storytelling. Listeners can explore more or read the free digital edition at getgriefymagazine.com, with a print version also available for purchase. Key discussion points: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The unexpected inspiration behind Get Griefy p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Turning passion into purpose without formal training p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Highlighting meaningful stories from around the world p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A preview of the next Get Griefy issue on women's issues Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    16 min
  8. How Kera Sanchez Turned Her Grief Into a Creative Purpose

    Mar 3

    How Kera Sanchez Turned Her Grief Into a Creative Purpose

    When grief meets creativity, something powerful can emerge. In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter talks with Kera Sanchez, founder and editor of Get Griefy—a heartfelt online and print magazine that explores grief, healing, and creative expression. Kera begins by sharing the deeply personal story of her mother's sudden death while traveling abroad. The timing and circumstances brought unique emotional challenges, leaving Kera searching for ways to process the loss. Through that pain, she discovered the healing potential of creative self-expression. Her first project—a guided grief journal—became a meaningful outlet for reflection and connection. That experience inspired her next endeavor: Get Griefy, a magazine dedicated to normalizing grief, amplifying voices of those in mourning, and creating community through storytelling and art. Listeners will come away inspired by Kera's courage, her creativity, and her commitment to opening new conversations about loss, resilience, and the many ways we find meaning after heartbreak. Key discussion points: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The emotional challenges of losing a loved one abroad p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How creativity became part of Kera's healing journey p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The origins of Get Griefy magazine and its mission p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why storytelling and creative community matter in grief work Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

    19 min
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Lighting the Path is here as a guide to help anyone with a life-limiting illness have a better end of life experience. Our goal is to provide you with honest, clear, and unbiased information about hospice and palliative care.

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