After a child dies, families mourn and begin the long process of bereavement. The many different emotions often experienced by bereaved families include shock, disbelief, sadness, loneliness, depression, fear, anger, regret, guilt, despair, and personal loss. These feelings are all part of the emotional reaction called “grief.” Feelings of grief may be overwhelmingly intense, and each family member may approach them differently. Some tend to keep feelings inside, while others are able to express their grief easily and openly.

The death of as child of any age, from any cause, is a devastating, life altering experience for a family. When a child dies, a family needs emotional support for the long grief journey ahead.

The Compassionate Friends of Central New York was established to offer comfort and support to families as they deal with their grief following the death of a child. Our chapter is one of more than 600 Compassionate Friends chapters in the United States.