A Sacred Walk: Dispelling the Fear of Death & Caring for the Dying by Donna M. Authers
Appearances

Contact Donna to request a speaking engagement and book signing. Presentations, retreats, and workshops are customized for each audience.  Recent topics include:

 

Share Your Wisdom and Thrive

A lively presentation for the over-60 crowd

Responding to God's Call to Care

To affirm and increase participation in caring ministries

When Faith and Healthcare Meet

The Christian roots of hospice and going beyond physical pain

Hospice is for the Living

Dispelling the myths of hospice and the 7 fears of dying

What Am I To Do? The Caregiver's Challenge

Answers this FAQ on how to care for a friend or loved one in crisis

Good Grief:  Living Through It and Helping Others

Valuable dos and don'ts following various types of loss

Trust in God's Perfect Timing

A scripture-based talk for faith communities suffering grief and loss

Leaning on God's Grace

A short program of hope and inspiration through loss

Effective Caregiving:  A Practical Perspective

Encouragement and advice with an emphasis on self care

 

What people are saying about Donna and her presentations . . .

 

Donna’s program on Good Grief between services on Sunday was excellent!  Her words were comforting, enlightening, and deeply moving.  She peppered her talk with real-life stories everyone could relate to.  Wish we had more time, so we’ll have to have her back!

(Olivet Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville)

 

Hosted by our Stephen Ministers for the community, "Good Grief" was a splendid

presentation on the challenges and rewards of caring for sick and dying patients,

even more so when they are loved ones. Donna balanced tragedy and humor,

setting the gold standard for future speakers. The audience was enchanted.

(Stuart Congregational Church, Stuart, FL)

 

If you ever have an opportunity to hear Donna speak, don't miss it!

She spoke at an evening dinner at our church, and people are still talking about her

warmth, her humor, her sensitivity, and her ability to relate to her audience.  By the time

she left that evening, people felt like she was an old friend.

Get the book! Read it! Get her to speak in your community! You won't regret it.

(St. George’s Catholic Church, Scottsville, VA)

 

A true blessing and encouragement for anyone involved in caregiving.

Donna’s presentation was fresh and relevant. She is insightful, sensitive, engaging,

biblically grounded and theologically solid. I wholeheartedly commend Donna to

any organization in which caregiving is a high priority.

(Church of the Palms, Sarasota, FL)

 

We had rave reviews following Donna's presentation: "The talk was so helpful in my personal situation."  "Donna was a great presenter with great visuals." "Glad I came to hear so many wonderful tips." "Excellent information as I begin the journey with my parent." 

(St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, Dallas, TX)

 

Having Donna speak at our church was a highlight for our pastoral and family caregivers. She spoke from the heart and depth of her experience in such a way as to have appeal and relevance to anyone caring for a loved one at the end of life.

(Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA)

 

Donna is a terrific speaker whose experience with end-of-life issues

gives her instant credibility. Although her subject is as serious as they come,

she seasons her presentations with humor and anecdotes that have a familiar

ring to anyone who has served in a caregiving capacity.

(Michael H., PhD. and author, Charlottesville, VA)

 

A big "thumbs up" for a wonderful evening . . . teaching was accessible, engaging, and articulate; delivered with graciousness and warmth.

(Vienna Presbyterian Church, VA)

 

Donna is a woman with a compelling vision and a passion for helping people understand

and navigate the journey of being with a loved one in the dying process.  Through her

book and her public speaking and presentations she speaks from the heart and shares

the truths from her soul.

(Kevin Quirk, editor and author, Crozet, VA)

 

You could see God's hand in Donna's presentation.  It was so kind, insightful and helpful.

She seemed to know just what everyone needed. The handouts and her book of wisdom

will be a valuable resource for us and anyone interested in caregiving.

(Our Savior Lutheran Church, McKinney, TX)

 

Donna has a thorough insight into the needs of the caregiver, the care receiver, and her audience. She imparts her message from a full measure of experience stirred with a splash of authentic good nature.

(Maredith S., Danbury, CT)


Phenomenal connection with participants . . . definitely changed my perspective on death. I thank God for using you to help me see things differently.

(Montreat Women's Conference, NC)

 

Donna's talk "Trust in God's Perfect Timing" helped our grieving church.

Judging from feedback from the people who suffered loss this past year and those who

grieved with them, it was just what we needed. Our Diaconate Ministry was also inspired to learn more about caring for the dying and their families left behind.

(Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, Charlottesville, VA)

 

The best speaker we have had in years - one who effectively engaged the audience with

her personality, humor and excellent visuals.  The practical suggestions and the ways the "service above self" theme blended into the insights shared on a difficult topic definitely connected with the audience.  The book was a bonus!

(Albemarle County Rotary Club)

 

Need inspiration, direction, comfort, strength? With her extensive knowledge, training, and life experiences, Donna can bring you all the above to help you deal with life's adversities and develop a meaningful appreciation for life's blessings.

(Nancy S., Dallas, TX)

 

Donna Authers is a woman of grace who has turned her grief and losses into wisdom to help so many others. Not just a writer, she is an intelligent, articulate communicator; I would recommend her to speak on a variety of topics to any group interested in caregiving.

(Elizabeth N., Stephen Ministry Leader, Arlington, VA)

 

WOW! Presentation quality was fantastic! Lives were touched and minds opened.

(Wytheville Community College, VA)

I never thought a talk on caring for the dying could be so engaging and so much fun!

(Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, Ridgefield, CT)

 

Donna is an accomplished speaker, was sincere in her presentation and demonstrated a profound faith in scripture. Her message was valued by all.

(Joan L., Savannah, GA)


One of the best talks I have heard here in over 40 years delivered with sensitivity and humor  . . . a true inspiration!

(University Baptist Church, Charlottesville, VA)


Donna was wonderful in all of her explanations, precious stories to dispel the myths of hospice! She brought staff, volunteers, and invited community members alike into her presentation. What a gift Donna is – and has given to us!

(Hospice of Carteret County, NC)


Loved having Donna at our all-day Stephen Ministry Retreat open to the community! She was fabulous and gave us great practical words of wisdom. A truly enjoyable and helpful day for all. Loved it! The best retreat conducted by a very special person.

(Stephen Ministry Networking Retreat, Leesburg, FL)


Excellent workshop! Professional, biblically sound. Donna helped me focus on dispelling my own fears of death and illness and helped improve my effectiveness in ministering to others. Looking forward to reading the book!

(International Order of St. Luke Healing Conference, St. Louis, MO)


The only thing better than reading A Sacred Walk was inviting Donna to speak at our church. It was the largest group assembled for such an event with attendees expressing gratitude for a very moving experience. It felt like spending time with a good friend.

(Rye Presbyterian Church, NY)


Donna made a real connection with us on Volunteer Appreciation Day. Her personal stories were very engaging, delivered with energy, passion and humor. The substantive information that encouraged and motivated all was a bonus. Accolades and emails poured in from volunteers expressing their appreciation for the program.

(Hospice of the Piedmont, VA)


Donna is excellent at facilitating a most meaningful discussion . . . uplifting and very beneficial . . . lovely job!

(St. John's Episcopal Church, Stamford, CT)


Great kick-off speaker for our weekend retreat . . . comforting and encouraging.

(St. Paul's Church, Brookfield, CT)

Special pricing is available for non-profit organizations, or bookstores wishing to purchase copies of A Sacred Walk and its companion Discussion Guide in quantity prior to an event.  To request details, to purchase a signed copy of the book, or ask Donna to be a guest speaker, please click here.

 

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Copyright © 2019 Donna M. Authers