Today I received a beautiful heart when I went to radiation treatment
at Overlook Hospital.  First of all may I say that it brightened my day
beyond words enough to express.  Secondly, let me thank all of you who
developed this amazing program, and who work feverishly to keep it
moving.  Finally, I wanted to send a thank you to my painter, Clare,
Age 10, Chatham.

I wanted to personally thank this young lady who took the time to bring a
smile to a cancer patient.  I also wanted her to know that the heart she
made for me is now sitting on my bedroom dresser and each time I glance
over, I smile again.

With Great Appreciation, Sheila

Interregnum, Finding life after loss, supports Children's Grief Awareness Day, November 17, 2011.  Results of a new national survey released today highlight the impact the loss of a family member.

Read more about Children's Grief Awareness Day and the national study of bereavement's impact. (pdf)

Mayor Cory Booker and Interregnum's executive director Judith Pedersen were the featured speakers at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meeting today in Florham Park, NJ.  An excerpt from Judith's speech follows:

"Since 2005, we have served families and individuals who experience life-altering challenges such as death of a loved one, life limiting illness, separation of any kind, and bereavement. Our service is available to all - regardless of type of loss and regardless of ability to pay.

We do this through counseling, education and community service. Since our inception, we have guided hundreds of individuals and families through their journeys through loss, we have educated thousands of professionals such as nurses and social workers who work with patients and clients experiencing loss, and, lastly, tens of thousands have been touched through our Hearts of Hope community service program.

It has been a continuing privilege to work with this underserved population as we strive to reach more and more with our sincere mission to help grievers find life after loss. We have a very small staff and a very large group of volunteers who are all deeply committed to making this mission a reality so that each and every person who experiences loss receives our strong, clear message that during times of life altering loss and sadness, you are not alone."

From www.wherewegonow.com
blog by Debbie Woodbury, cancer survivor

Back in June I posted a little love letter to an organization which is close to my heart. The mission of Interregnum, Inc., a grief support organization, is to help people learn to find life after loss. This month, in support of breast cancer awareness, Interregnum, Inc., is launching its Send a Heart of Hope program.

The new program features beautiful, hand-painted ceramic hearts with a variety of inspirational messages. You can choose from the Breast Cancer Ribbon of Hope heart, or the Reflection, Hope Blooms, Hope Takes Flight, Soar or Inspiration hearts. Choose the design that speaks to you, fill in your personal card, and Interregnum will send your ribboned and gift-wrapped heart on its way. The cost of sending a heart is $25.00. All net funds raised are used to help fund Interregnum’s programs, including its successful Hearts of Hope community outreach program.

The devastation one can experience when receiving a diagnosis of cancer--or any life limiting illness--is a form of loss that often goes unacknowledged. Judith Pedersen, founder and executive director of Interregnum Inc., developed programs of support, education, and compassion for those facing life altering challenges.

Click here to read more.