For this year’s Lighting the Circle fundraiser, we are thrilled to share that a generous donor, Fred Watson, will match all contributions—up to $20,000!!

Fred Shares His Story and Generous Act of Remembrance

“When it becomes clear that a loved one is going to lose the fight against an illness, most of us are lost. How do we negotiate the everyday needs of that loved one – and our own? Endless details, all delicate and many painful, crowd our days: doctor’s appointments, medication schedules, insurance forms, specialized equipment, and physical changes both gradual and sudden. But the beating hearts beneath those burdens still need to be cared for.

I can tell you from my own experience that without the support of the New Mexico Deathcare Network, my wife Demi, our children, and I would have suffered exponentially more in our loss. But Danielle from NMDN laid out a road map for the process; we made the journey together, from the concrete details of choosing a burial place to the abstract concepts of legacy and spirit. Of course it was painful, but we came through Demi’s dying process without feeling helpless and alone. Transitioning into death is a part of life, but chaos and anguish don’t have to be.

I support the New Mexico Deathcare Network because I want others to have that same support. I hope my financial gift – and yours – can help ease the pain for families who are confronting death. On Giving Tuesday, December 2, I pledge to match all donations up to $20,000. I hope you will give to NMDN. We all need a guide.”

- Fred Watson

Fred & Demi 2007

We are deeply grateful for Fred’s generosity and belief in our mission. His gift creates an unprecedented opportunity to double the impact of every donation and extend compassionate end-of-life support to even more individuals and families across New Mexico.

About Us

At the New Mexico Deathcare Network (NMDN), we believe that every life deserves to be honored with compassion, dignity, and care. We are a dedicated collective of holistic deathcare professionals united by a shared purpose: to bring light, comfort, and community to those navigating the end of life.

Our members include death doulas, educators, spiritual advisors, grief companions, estate attorneys, financial advisors, and many others who share a deep commitment to serving individuals, families, and communities across New Mexico. Together, we work to ensure that everyone has access to the care and resources they need during one of life’s most profound transitions.

Through our Provider Reimbursement Program, we help remove financial barriers so that compassionate, non-medical end-of-life services remain within reach for all. This program provides limited reimbursement directly to eligible providers who offer non-medical end of life support. Clients choose their own providers, and when they cannot afford services, the provider may apply for reimbursement. This ensures that care remains both accessible and sustainable.

Your donation helps light the circle of care, expanding access to comfort, understanding, and connection when it matters most. Together, we illuminate paths of hope and dignity across New Mexico, ensuring no one faces the end of life alone.

Join us in lighting the circle. Your gift helps bring hope, healing, and compassion to every end-of-life journey.

Light the Circle

Illuminating Paths of Hope and Dignity Along Every End of Life Journey

Team Members