For My Birthday, Help Me Build a Home for the Dying

For my birthday this year, I'm asking for something a little different. Instead of gifts, I'd love your help supporting an organization that means so much to me: Threshold House.

My journey into end-of-life work began long before I became a death doula. I had the privilege of caring for my grandmother during the final years of her life, including her last weeks on hospice. She was able to die at home, surrounded by people who loved her. That experience changed the way I understood death, dying, and what it means to care for someone during their final days.

Years later, I found myself caring for a friend who didn't have anyone else to be there for them. That experience brought home something I've come to understand more deeply through my work as a death doula: not everyone has family or friends who can care for them when they're dying. And even when people do have loved ones, those loved ones may not have the resources, ability, or support to provide the care that's needed.

I've seen how difficult the end of life can be when someone doesn't have a safe, comfortable place to be, or people who can be present with them.

I believe everyone deserves to die with dignity, comfort, and compassionate care, regardless of their circumstances.

That's why becoming involved with Threshold House has been so important to me.

Threshold House is a nonprofit organization working to create a small, home-like residence in Philadelphia for people nearing the end of life who cannot safely remain in their own homes. Working alongside hospice providers, Threshold House will offer a peaceful place where people can receive care, companionship, and the simple comforts of home during their final days.

It's about more than having a bed or a roof over someone's head. It's about creating a community where people are seen, valued, and cared for until the very end.

I've been fortunate to be part of the work of bringing this vision to life, helping build the community, volunteer support, and education that will make this home possible.

Through my work, I've learned that we cannot always change the circumstances of someone's death. But we can change how they are cared for, how supported they feel, and whether they have someone beside them.

Threshold House is still in the process of becoming a reality, and there is so much work to do. But I believe deeply in what we're creating and the difference it can make.

So this year, as I celebrate another trip around the sun, I'm asking you to help me make this vision a reality.

Whether you can give $5, $25, $50, or simply share this fundraiser, every bit of support helps us move closer to opening our doors.

Because everyone deserves a place to call home, especially at the end of life.

Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me by supporting something so close to my heart.

Jill's Birthday Fundraiser

This year, I'm celebrating life by helping create a beautiful place for its final moments.