Remembering Children: Bereavement Support Organization Plans Hollywood 'Walk to Remember'
An estimated 1,000 bereaved parents, relatives, and friends will assemble in Hollywood August 1 at 8 a.m. at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel for the The Compassionate Friends two-mile "Walk to Remember." Held annually on the final day of its national conference by the world's largest self-help bereavement organization, the walk allows families a special way to remember a child who has died at any age from any cause. The names of 10,000 children in total are expected to be carried on their backs by participants.
(PRWEB) July 21, 2004 -- With nearly 1,000 persons expected to join in, The Compassionate Friends will hold its fifth annual "Walk to Remember" in Hollywood Sunday, August 1 at 8 a.m. Starting at the Renaissance Hollywood hotel, the walk will cover a two-mile course.
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is the worlds largest self-help bereavement organization, providing support to families that have experienced the death of a child. There are nearly 600 chapters with locations in every state. TCF has a national presence in an estimated 29 countries worldwide.
"When a child tragically dies, everyone in that family is looking for ways to have that child remembered," said Patricia Loder, executive director of The Compassionate Friends. "The 'Walk to Remember' is a concrete way that allows those participating to remember that child. Not only will we have many people walking hand-in-hand and arm-in-arm, but on their backs combined they will be carrying the names of as many as 10,000 children which includes families that have asked us to remember their child even though they are not able to travel to Hollywood for the walk."
The "Walk to Remember" is an annual event of The Compassionate Friends, held on the final day of its national conference each year. The 27th national conference begins Friday, July 29, ending later in the day August 1, following the walk. A pre-conference Professional Seminar will be held Thursday, July 28 for nurses, physicians, social workers, counselors, emergency personnel, funeral directors, police officers, clergy, and all professionals who care for individuals at the scene, at the hospital, during the funeral process, and provide support for bereaved families after the death of a child. CEU's are available.
At the national conference, there will be 100 workshops covering nearly every topic related to the death of a child. Several well-known bereavement experts will address the conference attendees.
"When a national conference is planned, we do our best to make it an experience that will help in the healing of all who attend," said Mrs. Loder. "We are very pleased with all that will be offered at the conference from the speakers, to the workshops, to special music, sharing sessions, and our 'Walk to Remember.' There will truly be something for everyone."
For information on the conference, "Walk to Remember," or Professional Seminar, call the TCF National Office toll-free at 877-969-0010 or visit The Compassionate Friends national Website at www.compassionatefriends.org. Those attending do not need to belong to a chapter.
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