Doula Profile: Marcel Fable Price
Marcel Fable Price is an INELDA-trained death doula who takes the most pride in his work with the legacy projects of his clients. Fable is working toward multiple certifications and is on a lifelong journey to learn everything he can from various cultures about death and dying–ceremonies, religions, vigils, and everything his clients are willing to teach him about the process—so that he can be an endless well of wisdom to those he is walking alongside during their own process.
Fable’s lived experience far outweighs his formal training. He had the honor of being a confidant to his longtime friend and roommate Nate as he navigated a two-and-a-half-year bout with stage 4 colorectal cancer in his 30s. Fable was fortunate enough to be there for the passing of his grandfather, who was the only father he ever knew, as he took his last breaths at the end of an agonizing experience with dementia.
But it was the passing of his wife at age 30 that painstakingly molded him into the person and doula he is today. Nika—“truly my better half,” Fable says—was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which took her life after a four-year slugfest that concluded with a handful of loved ones crying to Lizzo in the living room of the house that doubled as their wedding chapel and her final resting place. As her full-time caregiver and husband, there are a number of regrets and points of shame he holds, and he hopes to walk alongside others so that they are not left with as many regrets—and alongside those who choose him to share the lessons, both positive and negative, beautiful and tumultuous, that he has to share.
Fable is a forever student of life and believes that his journey to become a doula taught him countless lessons that he wishes he had during the transitions of his loved ones while, first and foremost, looking to be a light to his clients. He hopes to make what can be one of the most painful journeys humans can experience even moderately easier on those who might be impacted after their loved ones are no longer physically with us.
Q&A with Marcel
When and why did you decide to become an end-of-life doula?
Becoming an end-of-life doula wasn’t something I chose—it felt like it chose me. After losing my wife to metastatic breast cancer when she was just 30 years old, I was forever changed. Her passing, combined with witnessing the deaths of my grandfather and my good friend and longtime roommate Nate, illuminated so many lessons I wish I had known earlier. I realized that I wanted to help others navigate the pain, beauty, and complexity of end-of-life journeys. I want to walk alongside people so they feel supported, prepared, and less burdened by the regrets I’ve carried.
How long have you been doing this type of work?
While my formal training as a death doula began in recent years, I’ve been walking alongside people in their end-of-life journeys for much longer—through caregiving, sitting vigil, and creating meaningful legacy projects. The formal training gave language and structure to work I had already been doing for over a decade through lived experience.
What type of environment do you work in?
I work wherever my clients feel most at ease, whether that’s their home, hospice care, or even virtual sessions. For me, the environment isn’t as important as creating a safe, sacred space where clients and their loved ones feel seen, heard, and comforted.
What do you do before you meet with a new client?
I spend time reflecting on their story, the information they’ve shared with me, and my “why.” I try to meet each client with curiosity, respect, and an open heart. I also prepare specific questions or prompts to help guide our conversations in meaningful directions.
Can you share a short anecdote or insight that changed you?
When my wife passed, a small group of us gathered in the living room—the same space where we’d exchanged vows—to say good-bye while listening to Lizzo. That moment was so heartbreakingly human. It taught me that death isn’t just about loss; it’s about finding ways to honor the life lived, even in the middle of sorrow. It’s a moment I carry into every client’s journey.
Who has been one of your teachers or mentors?
Life itself has been my greatest teacher, but I’ve been shaped deeply by my wife, Nika. Her grace, resilience, and even her moments of fear taught me so much about what it means to truly live—and how to leave this world with as much dignity as possible.
What do you wish you had known when you started as a doula?
I wish I had known that it’s OK not to have all the answers. Being present and holding space is often enough. I used to think I needed to “fix” everything, but I’ve learned that the most profound gift is simply showing up authentically.
Do you have any words of encouragement for fellow doulas?
Be kind to yourself. This work is heavy, and it’s OK to feel the weight of it. Remember that you don’t need to be perfect to be impactful. Just showing up with a full heart and genuine care makes all the difference.
What is your dream for your practice or doulas in general?
My dream is for end-of-life work to become as normalized and celebrated as having a birth doula. Just as we honor the transition into this life, I want more people to recognize the beauty and necessity of support during life’s final transition.
For my practice, I hope to continually deepen my understanding of diverse cultural, spiritual, and personal end-of-life practices so I can meet every client exactly where they are. I dream of traveling the world to learn from end-of-life practitioners, soaking in religious and spiritual teachings from all corners of the globe.
I aspire to work with high-profile individuals navigating the death and dying process, providing the level of privacy and discretion they may require. At the same time, I want to support those who are “messy” and complex—whether they are nonmonogamous humans, spiritually adjacent, queer, or neurodivergent. I find joy in connecting with clients who reflect parts of myself, including BIPOC individuals, caregivers, husbands, and men who might feel undersupported as they face this journey.
Above all, I hope to provide the structure and compassion needed to make this profound transition as supported and meaningful as possible for every person I work with.
Contact Marcel
Web: fablethedoula.com // Instagram: @MarcelFablePrice // Facebook: @MarcelFablePrice // Linktree: @MarcelFablePrice