Bereavement Services
–Excerpt from When Angels Take Flight: The Loss of a Loved One with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Each parent and family grieve in their own unique way. The CdLS Foundation understands this and wants you to know that you are forever a unique and treasured part of our community. Every member of the Foundation staff is always here to listen, support and help guide you on the complicated journey ahead after losing a loved one with CdLS.
Many families also have found it helpful to connect with other parents who have experienced a similar loss. The Foundation offers a 10-parent network of caring individuals who serve as grief support volunteers with whom we can connect you when you are ready. Our Grief Advisory Task Force is also exploring new and even more meaningful ways that we can support grieving parents and families. Our aim is to meet families where they are on this difficult journey — and make sure they know we are with them every step of the way.
Please do not hesitate to contact one of our family service coordinators at 800.753.2357 or familyservicesteam@CdLSusa.org.
In Memoriam
The CdLS Memorial page honors all those who have passed away. It is a special place for family and friends to share happy memories or say a few words about the life of their loved one. Please take a moment to see those who are gone but remain forever in our memories and hearts.
CdLS Remembrance Day
Every year on February 12th, the CdLS Foundation and the community honors all those who have passed away. It is a special day for families and friends around the country to celebrate and remember their loved one who is gone but not forgotten.
Resources for Parents:
CdLS Angels Facebook Group
This group is a wonderful place to be open, to talk about how you handle the grief process, and get support from people who have walked in your shoes.
Speaking Grief
This resource is a public media initiative aimed at creating a more grief-aware society by validating the experience of grievers and helping to guide those who wish to support them.
The Compassionate Friends
A nationwide non-profit designed to provide resources to families who are coping with the death of a child.
Bereaved Parents of the USA
Connects grieving parents with other bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings for one-on-one support.
Our House
Provides downloadable PDF resources of grief support information that were created for everyone, suitable for children to adults.
Vitas Healthcare
Offers a wide variety of articles about general grief and bereavement.
New York Life Foundation
Helps families and educators identify tools and national and regional grief supports.
Courageous Parents Network
Empowers families and providers caring for children with serious illness with a variety of timely online resources.
To help understand the grief of children:
National Alliance for Grieving Children connects professionals, consumers and volunteers whose mission is to support children and teens through the grieving process.
Children’s Developmental Stages: Concepts of Death and Responses to Grief
Guidelines for Helping Grieving Children
For Children and Teens:
The Dougy Center offers peer-to-peer support groups and resources for grieving children, teens, and families.
