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Grief and Bereavement Support
Once a St. Jude family, always a St. Jude family. We know that nothing is more devastating than the death of a child.
Grief is a deeply personal experience. No two people grieve the same way. There is no “right” or “wrong way. There is no timeline for moving through it. You may feel like no one understands what you are going through. Or you may be overwhelmed by offers of support but have no idea what you need. That is why your relationship with St. Jude does not end because your child has died. We are here to walk with you in your grief.
Services we provide
St. Jude has a grief support program to help you. Our bereavement team can help your family connect to grief resources that serve your needs. These services may include St. Jude programs, services in your community, and online resources.
Mailing program
We will mail you several items during the first year of grief.
- Copies of Coping with Your Loss: A Grief Support Guide and Seasons of Change: Stories of Hope After Loss. St. Jude created both booklets for parents.
- A commemoration on the first anniversary of your child’s death
- A holiday mailing that includes readings and coping tips
Stay in Touch (SiT) program
An experienced, bereaved caregiver from the Stay in Touch program will contact you during the first few months after your child has passed away. They will offer comfort, provide information, and check on your needs.
We want to stay in touch and remain available to you. Please let us know if your contact information changes by emailing Bereavement@stjude.org.
Bereaved Parent Mentor program
A bereaved St. Jude caregiver may maintain contact with families whose children are at end-of-life or those who are newly bereaved. They will offer comfort, information, and resources. Grandparent and young adult mentors are also available.
St. Jude Legacy Voice
Bereaved family members may take part in online surveys to give their input and help us improve bereavement and end-of-life care. Caregivers may join at any time.
Bereavement Camp
St. Jude has partnered with Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, to offer a weeklong bereavement camp for the whole family. The camp offers specialized programs, activities, and support groups.
Days of Remembrance
Days of Remembrance is a 2-day event in the fall each year for St. Jude families and staff. It honors the lives of the children we have lost. We gather to honor and share the many ways these children and teens touched our lives.
Resource database
Our parents and staff have created a comprehensive database of grief resources and tools.
Bereavement research opportunities
You may be eligible to take part in ongoing research studies. They look at grief support and other bereavement topics.
Your grief and bereavement team
A team of experienced St. Jude staff and volunteers work with families.
Contact
Email Bereavement Coordinator Joanna A. Luttrell, MA, CCLS, CPMT
Phone: 901-595-2658
Get involved with grief and bereavement support
When you are ready, and if you wish to do so, you may volunteer with St. Jude after the loss of your child. We offer volunteer opportunities with our bereavement program to help other parents and families.