Child Loss Resources

There is no proper way to introduce this page — no right words exist. But there are resources that may provide a tiny slice of comfort and validation. This page is frequently updated. 

Books specific to child-loss

  • Comfort: A Journey Through Grieby Ann Hood | Ann's 5 year-old daughter, Grace, died suddenly and unexpectedly from strep throat. Ann's book shows the day-to-day experience of living with heart-breaking loss, how she lost almost everything that made her the person she was, and then how she once more found hope in the future. 

  • Once More We Saw Stars by Jayson Greene | Jayson's daughter, Greta, was killed in an accident while sitting on a bench in her grandmother's NYC neighborhood. Jayson's writing is truly beautiful and the way he speaks of the accident and life after is incredibly poignant. 

  • Resilient Grieving by Lucy Hone | Lucy lost her 12-year-old daughter unexpectedly in a car accident in 2014. Lucy was already a scholar of resilience, and so she used what she had studied to think about her own life following this great tragedy. 

  • The Still Point In The Turning World by Emily Rapp Black | Emily's son, Rowan, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a life-limiting terminal illness, when he was 9 months old. An introduction to Emily's story and writing can be in her 2011 New York Times op-ed.   

  • Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala | Sonali lost her two sons, husband and parents in the 2004 Tsunami. 

Books that may also help (that are not specific to child-loss)

Essays & Writers

  • Jacqueline Dooley has written many essays about her grief and her daughter, Ana, who died from cancer in 2017. 

Podcasts

Retreats & Conferences

  • Camp Sunshine — A free camp in southern Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Every year they host 1-2 bereavement themed weeks. Their facility offers traditional camp-like activities as well as support groups for siblings and parents.

  • Faith's Lodge — A northern Wisconsin lodge that provides programming for parents and families after the death of a child. A peaceful space to connect with other families who are also living with grief. 

  • The Compassionate Friends hosts a national conference every year. A long weekend of workshops and discussion groups led by other bereaved parents. 

Social

Support Groups

  • Bereaved Parents of the USA — A national nonprofit to support bereaved parents. Chapters in all 50 states, though not as widespread as the Compassionate Friends. 

  • Compassionate Friends — An international nonprofit with groups all over the country. They also host an annual conference. Group is open to parents, grandparents and siblings.

  • The Dinner Party — For people between 20-40 living with grief. It is not specific to child-loss, but an opportunity to connect with other bereaved young-adults.