Support Phillips End-of-Life Journey, Preserve an Art Legacy

Hello, family, friends, and supporters,

Hi, my name is Charon, I am an End-of-Life Doula. I provide non-medical, holistic support and companionship to individuals and their families during the dying process. This can include emotional support, assistance with end-of-life planning, help providing comfort measures, and facilitating positive end of life experiences.

I'm reaching out to you with a heartfelt request. I am raising funds for my dear friend Phillip Owens end-of-life journey, he is an 82-year-old artist and writer originally from California. Phillip is a quiet gentleman, full of knowledge and wisdom. A gifted artist and writer, he attended the same art school as Disney Illustrators. I will share some of his beautiful drawings with you all on his journey.

Phillip has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and is approaching the end of life. With Phillip's recent diagnosis, he has elected to receive hospice services to support him on his end-of-life journey, along with my end-of-life doula services.

Phillip is currently living in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with his dear friend and primary caregiver, Diane, who has been taking care of him for 15 years as a promise to his late wife Gayle Cleigh, Ph.D. Diane made a spiritual commitment to look after Phillip, which she is honoring. Miriah also helps Diane out with Phillip's care.

Phillip has graciously entrusted me and Diane to share his legacy of art and work, as well as content about his end-of-life journey that may educate or help others. I will keep you all informed as Diane and Phillip share this journey with us, we appreciate your support.

I recently served as a death doula for Diane's son, my dear friend Hans, just a few short years ago in September 2021. This is why it is even more important to me that I go support Diane. I am so grateful and honored that she has sought out my support once again with our dear friend Phillip. Also, I know that Diane needs the additional support taking care of Phillip as she is recently recovering from a stroke, so she would also benefit from a doula's presence.

Today, the reason for this urgent GoFundMe request comes now because Diane has shared with me that Phillip is having a difficult time coming to terms with his condition. Phillip is also struggling to accept the fact that he can no longer eat food, as his throat is obstructed by the tumor and he must be fed through a feeding tube. He still keeps trying to eat food and it comes back up.

This is very difficult for Phillip, also Diane as a caregiver, as she was always excited to bring Phillip food home for dinner and can no longer do this, and that is something that saddens her because he would always light up when she came back with something special for him for dinner.

Phillip has not quite accepted that he cannot eat food anymore and still tries to taste food. He is on his fourth or longer week without food, one of the last pleasures he had in life has been taken away, As Phillip, comes to terms with his condition he is grateful to have help, he draws a picture, as a gift of gratitude in which he titled “Moria for feeding Phillip” through his feeding tube.

Phillip is also struggling with the fact that he is at the end of his life and his anxiety is increasing. Diane has shared with me that Phillip looks forward to my visits, both as his friend and as a doula. He wants and needs end-of-life companionship and support, which makes it even more important for me to be there for him.

I am gifting my time and services to Phillip and Diane. To give you an idea typically, the cost for one month of end-of-life doula services can vary widely depending on the doula, location, and specific services offered. On average, end-of-life doula services can range from $500 to $3000 per month. These costs include regular visits, emotional, spiritual, and practical support, and assistance with funeral planning and other end-of-life care-related services.

I will be traveling back and forth to stay close to Phillip and support Diane through the end of his journey. We are asking for your support as this is an out-of-state Doula service for me as a doula, the cost associated depends on how long services are needed, as both Diane and Phillip need the support of a doula at this time.

The money donated will be spent on the cost associated with Phillip's end-of-life care and final expenses and any other needs he may have for support during his end-of-life transition including expenses related to my travel and stay for doula services. I will be temporarily relocating for a significant amount of time to support Phillip and Diane. Any additional funds after Phillips final expenses will go towards his legacy of art work and writing to have it published in his memory so his legacy can be preserved and shared with others, including children with cancer.

What we are asking is for your support while Phillip is still living, we ask that you help us give Phillip a good death experience, one with all the love and support he and his caregivers need during this difficult time ensuring his legacy has an impact on others, especially those affected by cancer.

Your donation, no matter how small—even $1—will make a significant difference in Phillip's end-of-life journey and allow us to honor his path with compassion, respect, and dignity. Thank you for your generosity, as Phillip has no other family and this will be funded by the kindness of strangers.

I have shared some of Phillip's artwork, which is his way of connecting with the world. He expresses his appreciation through his art and creates special drawings for others as tokens of thanks. His work is incredibly detailed and precious, reflecting his unique perspective on the world.

"Moria Feeding Phillip"

Charon Massage Phillips Feet "Satisfied"

The images below depict Diane and her late son Hans, highlighting Phillip's gratitude for Diane's tireless commitment to caring for him. Through his art and writing, Phillip's legacy will continue to impact lives long after he's gone. Your support will help ensure that his legacy thrives.

"Han's as a little boy"

"Hans Hansen"

"Diane and Hans"

Thank you for being a part of Phillips journey towards a compassionate end of life. If you cannot donate at this time, simply liking and sharing this post for us is greatly appreciated. This way, it may reach those who can donate at this time. Thank you