End of Life & Bereavement: We're Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Mortality Alliance Founder, Michelle Lumiére, talks about her motivations for forming an alliance that plans to transform the accessibility of end of life and bereavement resources on a global scale.

The Mortality Alliance is on a mission to transform how people approach end of life and bereavement, both as individuals and as a society. With a firm commitment to bridging the gap between essential services, resources, and those in need, our work is grounded in empathy, education, and action.

 

“We want to make meaningful change,” Michelle says, reflecting on the task ahead, “and we’re fortunate to be standing on the shoulders of giants like Cicely Saunders, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Ram Dass, Stephen Levine, Dale Borglum, and many others who each in their own way have laid the foundations for a new way of thinking about death in the West. These figures inspired, and continue to inspire, a generation of caregivers, therapists, and advocates who are pushing the field of thanatology forward, stride by stride.”

 

Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement, revolutionised palliative care. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross brought the stages of grief in the dying to light, making space for conversations around the emotional spectrum of loss. Figures like Ram Dass and Stephen Levine infused end-of-life care with spirituality, inviting a deeper sense of peace and acceptance in the face of mortality. And Dale Borglum continues to lead the Living Dying Project today, teaching others around the world how to be conscious and present in the space of death and dying.

 

Michelle reminds us, “In the grand scheme of things, the field of thanatology is still young. We’ve made strides, yes, but there’s still so much more we can do. Each of us has a part to play, in making death readiness and bereavement support more accessible, more person-centred, and more holistic. The gap that persists between those needing support services and the resources available to them is what motivates me and all of us at the Mortality Alliance. For too long, people have faced death unprepared - emotionally, spiritually, practically, and financially even, leaving families overwhelmed on multiple levels.”

 

Michelle says, “We’re working towards a future where grief is met with the support people deserve, where families don’t feel stranded in the wake of death but can gently heal with the right tools to navigate these transitions. We envision a world where we’re all better equipped, in every sense, to face the realities of death and dying, however and whenever they come.”

 

A critical part of the Mortality Alliance’s mission is the integration of these aspects into everyday conversations. Dying and bereavement have historically been shrouded in discomfort and avoidance in Western culture, but Michelle believes this is finally shifting. “Campaigns such as Dying Matters by Hospice UK are making an invaluable difference, or talks and books by people like Bronnie Ware, BJ Miller, Kathryn Mannix, Frank Ostaseki, Julia Samuel, the list goes on!”

 

“And there are hours of soul nourishing podcasts to listen to as well, each taking a different angle, like Death: A Changing Industry by John Adams which I’ve been glued to recently, and over 40 years of wisdom from Ram Dass on the Here and Now podcast. All these influential names are helping society realise that death and dying are not just a medical issue but a human one, something we can prepare for with dignity and love. My goal is to keep shouting about all this content, all these names and works, all these organisations, so that more people can feel comforted and enriched by them.”

 

The Mortality Alliance is new on the map but has been cultivated for over a year, and is already expanding its outreach beyond the UK to ensure no one faces end of life and bereavement without guidance or support. “The support services are out there. There are so many incredible charities, nonprofits, and ethical enterprises across the world helping in some way, whether through helplines, counselling, planning tools, and other interventions to lighten the burden of grief when it comes,” Michelle continues.

 

“But when people are in crisis, sometimes no information gets in and everything can feel impossible to find. Where do you even start when you’ve just lost someone or have been told that you’re dying? And coming up against any barriers when you’ve just plucked up the strength to reach out can be devastating.”

 

Michelle says, “We need better information standards and accessibility. It’s going to take all of us, advocates, authors, speakers, content makers, data architects, medics, caregivers, doulas, and others, to fully close the gap. And I’m very optimistic. Communities like the End-of-Life Doulas are making a huge impact by encouraging learning and widespread sharing of information through the NHS and other public services. The fact that more people understand today what an End-of-Life Doula is demonstrates that impact.”

 

As we move forward, the Mortality Alliance will continue to stand proudly on the shoulders of giants. “Our aim to be a central, accessible, consolidator and sense-maker. If grief is the ocean, these service providers, the charities, counsellors, caregivers, and planners, are the life jackets. The Mortality Alliance aims to be Marine Rescue! We want to get people the help that's available to them faster, as soon as they need it.”

 

“This work is about more than just providing resources,” Michelle concludes, “it’s about better empowering people to face death and grief, and to live more fully as a result. Our collective efforts are paving the way for a future where death and grief are met with readiness and grace, and where individuals can face mortality with less fear and more acceptance.”

 

The Mortality Alliance invites you to join us in this journey. Our global movement is dedicated to improving access to end-of-life and bereavement support for every individual and family. Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved at www.mortalityalliance.org.