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Loss, Grief and Bereavement Program
The loss of a child is a devastating experience for parents, family members and friends. It does not follow the expected course of life. The process of grief differs from person to person. For many it is long and painful, and it causes some to feel alone and forgotten by others who go on with their lives.
You may want to seek assistance and support through this difficult time for you and your other children. However, many people do not know where to look or who to turn to for information. It can be difficult and overwhelming to make phone calls or search for resources online. The social workers at CBTF are available to help you determine what services may be helpful to you and your family, and how to find them.
The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation now offers a Loss, Grief and Bereavement Program for families who have lost a child. Our goal is to support families through this difficult experience by connecting them to other bereaved families, providing supportive services, and offering therapeutic and educational information. From talking with bereaved parents and family members, we know everyone has his or her own unique way of grieving. We realize support services or support groups may be very helpful to one person, but not helpful to another. Therefore, we offer different forms of support services to address varying needs. All services were created using feedback and input from bereaved parents who informed us of their experiences and needs. A description of our services within the Loss, Grief and Bereavement Program is provided below.
Bereavement Phone Counseling and Support
CBTF has clinical social workers who are available to provide support and counseling over the phone. Please call us at 866-228-4673 or email jriester@cbtf.org if you have a question, need help locating a resource or would like to talk.
Family-to-Family Network for Bereaved Families
Through our Family-to-Family Program (F2F), we are able to connect bereaved parent mentors to bereaved parents looking for peer support. We would also like to connect bereaved grandparents and bereaved siblings. Mentors receive training and are available to support others through phone, email, or in-person.
If you would like to become a parent mentor for bereaved parents or meet a parent mentor, please call us at 866-228-4673 or email info@cbtf.org.
If you would like to become a grandparent or sibling mentor for other grandparents or siblings, or if you would like to meet a bereaved grandparent or sibling mentor, please call 866-228-4673 or email info@cbtf.org.
CBTF Bereavement Support Groups
Grief support groups can be helpful to many bereaved parents and siblings. CBTF is in the process of developing support groups facilitated by professionals for bereaved parents and bereaved siblings.
Bereaved Parent and Caregiver Groups
Parent and Caregiver groups can take place over the phone, internet or in-person (if in the NYC area). If you are interested in learning more about our support groups, please email info@cbtf.org or call 866-228-4673 for more information.
Bereaved Sibling Groups
CBTF hopes to provide in person support groups for bereaved siblings in the future. If you would like your child to attend an in-person support group (based in NYC), please email info@cbtf.org or call 866-228-4673 for more information.
Online Community
Bereaved parents and family members can connect to each other through CBTF’s online communities. You can join an online community here - just follow the instructions to create your account. Online communities will soon be offering internet support groups and topic based discussions to bereaved parents and family members.
Experiences and Quotes from Bereaved Families
Memorial Quilt
Parents and siblings are welcome to create a free “quilt square” in memory of their loved one. This personalized memorial page is a place where you may post photos, stories, and updated journal entries for yourself and family to view. The quilt square provides families a way to share memories and honor their children. Friends and family may visit the page you have created. Guests may leave comments to share their special memories and sentiments or make a donation in the child's honor.
- To view the memorial quilt click here
- To create a memorial page for your child click here
Events
We would like to plan a special social event for bereaved families to give them an opportunity to have an enjoyable day while connecting to other bereaved families. Information on any upcoming events for bereaved families will be posted here.
There are no events at this time.
Share Your Suggestions
Your input and suggestions are greatly appreciated and will help us to develop effective support programs for bereaved families. If you would like please complete a survey to share your suggestions.
You are also welcome to email info@cbtf.org or call 866-228-2473 for comments and suggestions.
Information and Resources
- Books on Loss, Grief and Bereavement
- Financial Aid Resources
A list of financial aid resources will be provided here soon. Please contact info@cbtf.org or call 866-228-4673 for information on financial aid resources. - Additional Bereavement Resources and Programs
- Educational Information on Loss, Grief and Bereavement - this section is in progress
Contact Us
Please call 866-228-4673 or email info@cbtf.org for more information on the CBTF Loss, Grief and Bereavement Program.
