I never knew how catastrophic grief could feel until the person who died was my husband. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to describe the suffering my family endured following Chaz’s untimely death. Nothing could have prepared me for the tragic loss of the father of my three young children.
I learned so much through my affiliation with The Center for Loss and Bereavement. One thing I learned is this: Even individuals whose loved ones were living with terminal illness could not have been prepared for the grief they would soon endure. It was no different than the grief that struck my family after an abrupt loss we never saw coming.
Following Chaz’s death, I am thankful for family and the support system my children and I have in our lives. It was my mother-in-law who first told me about The Center for Loss and Bereavement. My kids initially attended the children’s summer camp, Camp Millie. After a week of camp that was wildly successful across the board, they each knew they wanted to attend Nello’s Corner. Nello’s Corner is a peer group which runs throughout the school year. It supports grieving children after the death of an individual with whom they had a very close relationship. It allows attendees to share a commonality; A safe place where children know that there are people who understand and truly care. A place to remember their person, and to keep their memories alive. Through the generosity of donors, Nello’s Corner is offered to all families for free through grants.
The Center for Loss and Bereavement does not only offer services for children. They offer individual and family grief therapy, adult-centered peer groups, retreats, and other services. Donations through Strides of Hope support those in need of grief services and The Center for Loss and Bereavement.
Please donate whatever you’re able to, and share this fundraiser with others. Your donations will truly make a difference in the lives of individuals who are suffering through grief and loss. Consider sponsoring myself and/or other members of my team, Flexin’ for Chaz.
From the Center:
Thanks for your support! For over 20 years, the Center for Loss and Bereavement has served the area as a local non-profit organization, providing professional counseling, support services, and education for children, adults, families, schools, and organizations dealing with the impact of profound grief and loss. We rely on others in the community to strengthen our reach to those seeking a place of sanctuary, perspective, and healing growth through grief. Please join us and become one of our partners in supporting our mission.
