Resources for the Bereaved

For those looking for specific resources to help with your grief journey, here are eight of many I recommend in my second book, “Creating a New Normal, After the Death of a Child.” If you have the book, you will find general bereavement support groups, specific bereavement support groups, web site support and chat rooms. Call them for more information or google the group.

First Candle: is a non-profit coalition of organizations dedicated to understanding the causes and prevention of stillbirths, including miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. Their mission is to raise awareness, educate on recommended precautionary practices and facilitate research on the prevention of stillbirth. Phone number is 1-800-221-7437

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation is for parent support of children who have or who have had any form of cancer. It is worldwide; there are no dues; they do have a monthly newsletter. Their philosophy is that “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Phone number is 301-962-3520

SIDS. The National Sudden Infant Death Foundation helps parents deal with the shock and grief of losing their babies to SIDS and connects those parents. It provides information and counseling services and has a bimonthly free newsletter. Phone number is 301-322-2620

TAPS. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors offers peer support and assists survivors who have lost a loved on in the line of military duty. They also have a national magazine published during the year with interesting stories of hope and survival. In the summer, they sponsor a “good grief” camp for children who lost a parent or sibling. Phone number is 1-800-959-TAPS

I also recommend web site bereavement support with organizations such as:

Angel Moms that chat daily, sharing tears and laughter. Through their pain, these mothers have bonded together to offer each other love, support and understanding, something we all need.

MISS- Mothers in Support and Sympathy is an organization with the mission of providing a safe haven for parents to share their grief after the death of a child. The emphasis is on support for the entire family.

Virtual Memorials creates memorials that celebrate the lives and personalities of those who have died. It also provides a place where these cherished images and biographies will have a permanent home.

The Grief Warehouse is for parents who are coping with the death of their child. The goal is to be a warehouse of information and personal experiences…a place where you can come, gather ideas, and share what worked for you on your journey of grief.