Children Supported Throughout Grief Journey

GLENVIEW, Ill., Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Seasons Hospice Foundation is holding their first bereavement camp for children, August 6th – August 10th at The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview. Camp Kangaroo will host a positive and supportive atmosphere for children ages 5 through 13 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, grandparent or significant friend.  As reported by U.S. Census data, about 1 in 20 children experience a profound loss before reaching the age 18.

Led by Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care staff and volunteers, activities throughout the week will focus on memorializing the child's loved one, self-care techniques, building relationships and having fun in light of a difficult time. Children from underserved communities throughout Chicago and neighboring suburbs will be transported daily by Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care staff.

"It is important to remember that, like adults, kids grieve individually," explains Melody Stried, LCSW, social worker for Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care. "As kids move forward past new developmental milestones, they will have to learn to adjust without having that loved one there. We have created the program to provide a balance of constant activity and fun, but with every activity having an underlying bereavement piece without being heavy-handed."

Funding was made possible by FGMK LLC, a certified public accounting and advisory firm based in Bannockburn, IL.

"FGMK loves kids and our donation symbolizes the deep desire to steward kids through their journey during an important and difficult transition," comments Mario J. Donato, CEO of FGMK.

About Seasons Hospice Foundation

Seasons Hospice Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit foundation that supports and funds wishes for hospice patients, community education to increase awareness about the benefits of hospice, special programming like camp kangaroo and applied research to improve the quality of hospice care.  SHF helps people celebrate life and honor its end through the guidance of hospice.  To learn more or make a donation please call (847) 692-1063 or visit www.seasonsfoundation.org    

About Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care
Founded in 1997, the heart of the Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care vision is the goal to "strive beyond accepted standards" and to develop its hospice and Palliative care programs to meet the unique needs of each individual it serves. Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care's unique programs include: Open access, which allows for patients currently receiving medical treatments to access hospice services; Music Therapy as a core discipline; and Touch for all Seasons, a highly specialized program for patients in advanced stages of dementia. Learn more by calling (800) 570-8809 or visiting www.seasons.org.

Contact:
Marisa Rehbock
Foundation Coordinator
(224) 277-0965
[email protected]

SOURCE Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care