Worlds Largest Self-Help Bereavement Organization Hosts Parents, Families, Professionals at July Conference

The Compassionate Friends,with nearly 600 U.S. chapters servicing hundreds of thousands of members, will hold its 26th national conference July 4-6 in Atlanta, Georgia. A pre-conference all day seminar will be held for professionals July 3. The general conference features respected authors, approximately 100 varied workshops, a complete sibling program, and a two-mile "Walk to Remember."

The death of a child, what many consider a familys worst loss, will be the focus of the 26th national conference of The Compassionate Friends July 4-6 in Atlanta, Georgia. A pre-conference seminar for professionals will be offered Thursday, July 3.

Nearly 100 varied workshops including a complete sibling program, plus noted speakers, numerous activities, and a two-mile Walk to Remember" will be offered to the anticipated 1200 attending the general conference.

This is an excellent opportunity for the newly bereaved, and those who have not been allowed to grieve the loss of a child, to learn from those who are further along the path," said TCF Executive Director Patricia Loder. Few understand how deep grief runs within a family when a child has died, and how destructive it can be if not addressed."

Featured speakers include bereavement authors Tom Golden, Maria Housden, and Charlie Walton. A highlight of the conference will be the fourth Walk to Remember" Sunday at 8AM when up to 1000 are expected to join together walking up to two miles in remembrance of their children. They will also be carrying the names of an estimated 10,000 children from across the country whose families are honoring their memory. As a show of unity and remembrance, concurrent walks are also being planned by chapters around the country.

Those interested in attending the conference may download a registration form from either the TCF national Web site at www.compassionatefriends.org or the official conference Web site at www.tcfatlanta.org/2003Conference, or a form can be requested by calling the TCF national office at 877-969-0010. Registration can be made in advance or on-site at the Atlanta Hyatt Regency Hotel at the start of the conference.

The pre-conference Professionals Day July 3 is aimed at doctors, nurses, social workers, EMTs, firefighters, funeral directors, police officers, and all those who work with bereaved families following the death of a child.

The Compassionate Friends is the worlds largest self-help bereavement organization with nearly 600 chapters in the United States, including all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Worldwide The Compassionate Friends has a presence in an estimated 29 countries. Those wishing to attend the conference do not need to belong to a chapter.
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