An interview with Stephanie Ford: Caregiving & Honoring the Stories of Those We Love
Biography
I’m Stephanie, founder of Life Stories with Steph. I’m a caregiver, storyteller and end-of-life doula with years of experience supporting individuals and families through caregiving and end-of-life care. My background in hospice work has shown me the profound importance of compassionate presence and emotional support during life’s most personal moments. Alongside this, I help people preserve their life stories, family histories and personal legacies through video storytelling. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of remembering those we love and ensuring that the memories that shape us are honored and shared across generations.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
My advocacy is rooted in supporting individuals and families during life’s most vulnerable moments. I champion compassionate end-of-life care, helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. I also advocate for the importance of preserving memories and personal stories, ensuring that lives and legacies are honored and remembered for generations.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is supporting people during some of life’s most challenging and personal moments. I have known a few dear people who have struggled with Parkinson’s and their lives have shown me the resilience, courage, and strength of those facing this disease. Remembering their stories and honoring their lives is how we ensure their legacy continues to live on.
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
While I haven’t directly cared for someone with Parkinson’s, I’ve seen common threads in the care I provide to all individuals. My focus is always on enhancing quality of life, supporting independence, spending meaningful time together and preserving dignity. I help people capture and reflect on their personal stories as a way to heal and I guide them through life’s challenges with compassion and understanding.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
My advocacy provides compassionate support and care for individuals facing aging or serious illness while helping them preserve and share their personal stories. By guiding them in carrying their legacy forward, I ensure that their life, lessons, and memories continue to inspire and connect with others now and for generations to come.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
A future goal for my advocacy is to help more individuals and families preserve their stories and legacies, ensuring they are remembered by future generations and honored for the amazing people they are. I also hope to raise awareness about the importance of compassionate end-of-life care, so that everyone has access to the quality care they deserve.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
The best way to get in touch is through my website: www.lifestorieswithsteph.com. You can learn more about my services, reach out directly, and schedule a conversation about preserving stories, legacies or end-of-life support.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Others can become advocates by listening to and sharing the stories of those affected, raising awareness about their needs and supporting compassionate care and legacy preservation. Even small actions…like starting conversations, volunteering or simply showing empathy can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Effective advocacy means truly listening and understanding the needs and experiences of those you support, while honoring the lives and stories of the people you serve. It’s about helping individuals feel seen and valued, preserving their memories, and carrying their legacy forward to inspire future generations.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Even if someone doesn’t have Parkinson’s, it’s important to care because advocacy reminds us of the value of compassion and of honoring the lives of those we love. In my line of work, supporting people with serious illnesses has shown me how precious life is and the importance of human connection and dignity. We all benefit when we nurture a culture of care and respect for life’s challenges.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
I haven’t had family members with Parkinson’s, but my mother had polio and I saw firsthand how hard it is to watch a loved one face a serious illness. This inspired my commitment to provide compassionate care and help preserve personal stories, no matter the circumstance.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
If I had to choose a song to represent my life, it would be “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music, my mom’s favorite movie. In fact, I wrote a post about this on my blog. My mom died from complications with polio and this song reminds me so much of her. She was courageous, strong, kind, and resilient and made this world a better place. Her example continues to inspire me in my work and she’s a huge reason why I do what I do.
What are your social media tags?
Instagram: @lifestorieswithsteph
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Your story matters. Every experience and every challenge you face leaves a mark on the world and shapes the generations yet to come. The love you give, the courage you show, and the resilience you carry is beyond inspiring. Preserve your story…write it down, talk to your loved ones, and share your memories so that those who come after you will know who you are and what you stand for. To caregivers and those living with Parkinson’s, keep up the incredible work.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George