Facing the Unthinkable: Resources for Families Facing the Serious Illness or Loss of a Child
No parent ever imagines facing the serious illness or loss of a child.
The journey can feel overwhelming—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. While nothing can take away the pain, there are resources and communities ready to walk alongside you, offering comfort, guidance, and practical support.
Emotional and Peer Support:
The Compassionate Friends (compassionatefriends.org) – A national nonprofit offering peer-led support groups for families grieving the loss of a child.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (childrengrieve.org) – Resources and programs to help families and siblings process grief.
Hospital-Based Support Teams – Many children’s hospitals have social workers, chaplains, and child-life specialists who can provide counseling and connect you to local services.
Employee Assistance Program – Many employers utilize an Employee Assistance Program that provides a number of free counseling sessions.
Practical and Financial Assistance
Ronald McDonald House Charities (rmhc.org) – Provides housing and meals near hospitals so families can stay close to their child during treatment.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, and similar organizations – Offer travel grants, lodging assistance, and help with medical expenses.
GoFundMe & Local Community Funds – Many families find relief through community-organized fundraisers to offset costs of care and time away from work.
FMLA, Bereavement Leave, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance – these programs can provide much-needed time off for parents to care for themselves and their families during illness or following a loss.
Long-Term Healing and Remembrance
MISS Foundation (missfoundation.org) – Provides counseling, advocacy, and remembrance events for families grieving a child.
Faith Communities – Many families find strength in their spiritual traditions; clergy and congregations often provide ongoing support.
Memory Projects – Honoring your child’s memory through activities like planting a tree, creating a scrapbook, or taking part in remembrance walks can provide comfort and help preserve their legacy.
Crisis and Immediate Help
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – For parents or siblings in acute distress.
National Parent Helpline (1-855-427-2736) – Emotional support and referrals for parents navigating overwhelming challenges.
If you are walking this path, please know you are not alone. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of love for yourself and your family. These resources exist to hold you up when the weight feels unbearable. Healing is not about “moving on,” but about finding ways to carry your child’s love forward while being supported by others who understand. For assistance navigating these resources and emotional support, reach out to your Care Navigator today.