“The death of a child or grandchild is an event that shakes us to the core. It doesn’t matter the age of our child, whether it’s 1, 11, 21 or 51. We are not supposed to have to bury our children. Unfortunately, this happens every day. We feel lost & like no one else understands. We don’t know what to do or how we can possibly keep on moving forward. But there are people who do understand.
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a support group started in the 1970s that now has over 600 chapters in all 50 states. Chapters are made up of nothing but parents, grandparents & siblings of children who have died. These people who understand the death of a child, are there to help others on this very difficult journey.
TCF had a Reno county chapter until a few years ago. It closed down as did the Salina chapter. Unfortunately, that leaves only three chapters in the entire state of Kansas; Wichita, Topeka & Harvey County (Newton). Chapter leaders in Newton are working to create an outreach by bringing monthly meetings to other areas. The first outreach is in Hutchinson.
The first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Sept 10 at 10:00 am in the Hutchinson Library. There is no cost & you can just show up. Organizers would appreciate a “head count” but it is not necessary.
Cheryl McCart, Harvey County Chapter Leader said, “We hope that parents, grandparents & siblings in Hutchinson & surrounding areas who have experienced the loss of a child & are struggling, will come to this meeting. It is hard to make that first step to come to a support group, but this is a safe, private place with people who truly understand.”
McCart says right now they plan to offer monthly meetings in Hutchinson, if there is a need, and potentially to look at other communities if necessary. “People do not have to walk this difficult journey alone. We are there for them.”
For more information about the September 10 meeting or to RSVP, please call 316-249-3779 or for information about TCF in general visit the website at www.compassionatefriends.org
