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You Have the Power to Support Grieving Families & Adults

Make a donation today to give a family or an adult a free bereavement retreat

Camp because I said I would offers bereavement retreats that help grieving families and individuals begin to heal, thanks to the generosity of donors like you. We offer support in two ways:

Level 1: Time Away with Family – A no-cost stay in our resort cabins for families who have lost a loved one, offering quiet time together in nature without workshops or guided activities.
Level 2: Adult Bereavement Retreat – A supportive retreat for adults that includes guided workshops on mental health and resiliency, along with time to rest and reflect.

Wesley lost his 27-year-old daughter in a tragic car accident caused by a texting truck driver.

Wesley lost his daughter Andrea in a tragic car accident in 2011. She was just 27 and expecting her second child. Since then, Wesley has walked alongside his wife Linda on their grief journey, including joint counseling. He attends the retreat to find community, expand his understanding of grief, and support his wife’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

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Victoria lost her son, an Olympic hopeful, who was shot and killed in 2020.

In 2020, Victoria lost her son to a shooting. He was one of the best shooters in the world and an Olympic hopeful. After his death, she began a spiritual journey. “I created a global movement after my son died,” she writes. Victoria has since become deeply involved in grief programs and hopes to connect with other mothers at the retreat—for their healing and her own.

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Tia lost her 23-year-old daughter, Ariana, in a tragic car accident in early 2025.

Tia is mourning the sudden loss of her daughter, Ariana, who passed away in February 2025. In the wake of this tragedy, Tia has taken on the vital role of raising Ariana’s two young sons. Navigating her own profound grief while providing stability and care for her grandsons has been an overwhelming journey, and Tia is seeking a dedicated space to focus on her own healing. This retreat will be Tia’s first experience with formal bereavement support. She is attending to find a moment of much-needed solitude and to develop better coping skills that will help her manage her grief while she continues to show up for her family. By connecting with a supportive community, Tia hopes to find the strength and tools necessary to navigate this new chapter of her life.

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Terraine lost his grandmother, Iris Reid, to a medical condition

In 2024, Terraine lost his grandmother, Iris, a deeply meaningful figure in his life. While he hasn’t yet sought counseling, he previously attended this retreat and found value in the space it offers. He returns seeking connection, reflection, and continued healing.

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Sierra is seeking healing ten years after the tragic murder of her father.

Sierra lost her father in the summer of 2016. The traumatic nature of his death has left a lasting impact on her life, and a decade later, she is still navigating the complex journey of living with such a profound and sudden loss. Sierra is attending the retreat alongside her mother, Nicole, to find a safe space for reflection and connection. Though she has not sought formal bereavement support in the past, she is now ready to focus on her healing. She hopes to gain new coping skills and find strength in being present with her family and a community that understands the weight of long-term grief.

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Sara lost her best friend to cancer complications and her nephew to an accidental gunshot

Sara is carrying the weight of two painful losses—her best friend Dana, who died from cancer complications, and her nephew Jimmy, who passed from an accidental gunshot wound. Their absence has left deep emotional wounds. Through virtual support groups and therapy, she’s been trying to find stability in the chaos of grief. With courage, she’s attending the retreat to gain tools for coping and to better navigate the shame and stigma that can often accompany loss.

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Sara lost her mother to aggressive lung cancer in 2025 and her father to a rare blood cancer in 2018.

Sara has faced the profound heartbreak of losing both of her parents to cancer. Her mother’s battle was especially sudden, lasting only seven weeks from diagnosis to her passing in June 2025. Having navigated these losses at a young age, Sara has been dedicated to her recovery through therapy and specialized support groups at the James Cancer Hospital. After attending the retreat last year during the height of "brain fog," Sara is returning with a clearer heart and mind. She is seeking this experience to process the deeper layers of her grief that she wasn't ready to reach before. Her goal is to continue building the resiliency skills that will not only help her heal but also empower her to share the strength and wisdom she has gained with the world.

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Rosemary lost her mother to a sudden heart attack in 2004, when she was just 8 years old.

Rosemary has been navigating life without her mother for over twenty years. Having experienced such a significant loss at the age of 8, she has carried that weight into adulthood without ever finding a specialized support program that felt right—until now. Encouraged by her friend Sara, who found life-changing healing at a previous retreat, Rosemary is attending to finally begin formally processing the death of her mother. She is seeking the retreat as a safe space to learn resiliency skills and to connect with a community that understands the unique journey of those who have lived the majority of their lives in the shadow of loss.

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Nicole lost her amazing father to heart failure just two months ago.

Nicole is mourning the loss of her father, who passed away at the age of 85 in February 2026. This loss is still very fresh, and Nicole is navigating the initial, difficult stages of learning to live without a man she describes as truly "amazing." This retreat marks Nicole’s first step in seeking formal support for her grief, as she has not yet participated in counseling or support groups. She is attending alongside her daughter to find solitude for reflection and to gain the essential coping skills needed to move forward. She hopes this community will help her find a path through her journey of healing.

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Mollie lost both of her parents—her father in 2022 and her mother in 2024—after years as their sole caregiver.

Mollie was the sole caregiver for both of her parents before losing her father to leukemia in 2022 and her mother to Alzheimer’s in 2024. Her parents were married for 60 years, and she spent years helping care for her mother through severe depression alongside her father. Now living alone in Ohio, away from her brothers, Mollie shares that the loneliness feels immeasurable. She is in therapy but still feels her grief is raw. She is coming to the retreat seeking healing, hope, and a way to carry both the love and loss of her parents without the grief feeling so overwhelming.

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Michael lost his wife of 26 years, Kelli (62), after complications from a rare illness in July 2025.

Michael lost his wife, Kelli, just five days after her 62nd birthday following complications from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that led to liver and multiple organ failure. In the months before her passing, their family was already grieving the murder of her daughter, whose case is still ongoing. Michael has been in counseling and has participated in several grief support groups. He is coming to the retreat hoping to find a way to enjoy the things he once shared with his wife, which now feel too difficult to return to.

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Marcie lost her son, Sgt. Donovan, in an accident at age 24

Marcie’s son, Sgt. Donovan Holliday, was only 24 when his life was taken in an accident. She describes him as “an amazing, impactful young man” and carries the weight of all the roles he filled—Marine, father, husband, son, and more. Marcie attends weekly therapy and has found some support through GriefShare and Compassionate Friends, but the pain remains. She’s coming to the retreat seeking support and guidance—hoping to find a way to keep living without deepening the ache she already carries.

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Lori lost her father (78), brother (64), and mother (83) within a short time, while also grieving other close loved ones.

Lori was still grieving her father when her brother and mother died. In addition to those losses, she has also lost a cousin and a close friend. She is in therapy and has participated in Grief Share and Grief 2 Hope. Lori is coming to the retreat hoping to gain helpful tools to navigate her grief journey as she continues facing ongoing loss.

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Lois lost her only daughter, Amy Beth, in December 2025 after a spinal cord injury led to pneumonia and sepsis.

Lois recently lost her only daughter to complications from a spinal cord injury. The grief is fresh and heavy, but she finds strength in her faith. While she hasn’t yet participated in bereavement support programs, she is turning to this retreat for coping skills and connection. “Being with others who understand the grief I feel” is something she hopes will bring comfort in this difficult chapter.

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Linda lost her 27-year-old pregnant daughter in a car accident caused by a texting truck driver.

Linda lost her daughter Andrea, who was pregnant with her second child, in a tragic car accident caused by a texting driver. Since that life-altering moment, Linda has become a writer, author, and advocate for grief support. She’s participated in multiple support groups and continues her mission of helping others find hope. She joins the retreat to deepen her education, connect in person, and continue honoring her daughter through advocacy.

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Kim lost her eldest sister—who was like a mother to her—to cancer in 2024

Kim is mourning the loss of her sister, who passed away in August 2024. For Kim, this was more than the loss of a sibling; her sister was a foundational figure in her life who provided the love and guidance of a mother. Since her sister’s passing, Kim has been navigating this difficult transition without formal support or counseling. She is attending the retreat to finally dedicate time to her own healing journey. By connecting with others in a supportive community, Kim hopes to gain the essential coping skills needed to manage her grief and find a way forward while honoring the deep bond she and her sister shared.

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Julie lost her 30-year-old son, Nathan, to suicide in 2021.

Julie is honoring the memory of her son, Nathan, who is "forever 30." Since his passing in September 2021, Julie has navigated the complex and painful journey of suicide loss, previously seeking support through grief counseling to help process this profound change in her family's life. Julie is attending the retreat to find a renewed sense of strength and guidance as she continues her journey of healing. By stepping into a dedicated space for reflection and connection, she hopes to gain new perspectives and the tools necessary to move forward while holding Nathan’s memory close. She looks forward to being part of a community that understands the unique depth of losing a child.

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Juan lost his 20-year-old daughter to gun violence in 2020

Juan lost his daughter, Alexandrea, to gun violence in 2020 when she was just 20 years old. Since then, grief has lived quietly inside him, heavy and ever-present. While he hasn’t had access to professional support, he hopes this retreat will offer space to release the pain and anger he's held for so long. He’s attending alongside Cynthia, Alexandrea’s mother, to find stillness, support, and the tools to carry his daughter’s memory forward with more peace.

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JP lost both of her parents to a tragic joint suicide in early 2025.

JP lost her mother and father, Wanda and Jennetto, in February 2025. As an only child, she has been left to navigate this overwhelming double loss while also recovering from a serious accident that has left her in chronic physical pain. Despite being a school psychologist by profession, the weight of this grief forced JP to step away from her career to focus on her own healing. She has been dedicated to her recovery through intensive therapy and groups, and she is attending this retreat to find hope and gain the specific skills needed to manage her hardest days. She looks forward to finding a community that understands the unique complexities of suicide loss.

$700 of $700 raised

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John lost his nephew Jimmy to an accidental gunshot

John is grieving the sudden and tragic loss of his nephew Jimmy, who died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shock of that moment has rippled through his life, prompting him to seek space for reflection and healing. John is attending the retreat in hopes of processing his grief and finding connection with others who understand the pain of such a loss.

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Joe lost his father-in-law (78) and mother-in-law (83), both after ongoing health issues.

Joe shared that he was very close with both of his in-laws, and their deaths hit him and his family very hard. He has attended a few counseling sessions but has not participated in other bereavement groups. Joe is coming to the retreat to gain tools to work through his grief and to prepare for the journey ahead with his own mom.

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Hope lost her 19-year-old son, Justin, to murder

Hope lost her 19-year-old son, Justin, to murder in 2016. Since his passing, she has sought support through counseling and bereavement programs including Grief 2 Hope and Grief Share. Hope comes to the retreat seeking continued grief support and connection.

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Faith lost her 82-year-old mother, Carol, to dementia-related conditions in 2023.

Faith is honoring the memory of her mother, Carol, who passed away in October 2023. Navigating a loss tied to dementia brings a unique kind of grief, and Faith has been proactive in her healing journey over the past few years through consistent counseling and various support groups. Faith is attending the retreat to deepen her understanding of the grieving process and to gain fresh wisdom and tools for her journey. She is looking forward to the opportunity to share her experience with a community of others who truly "get it," finding strength and insight in a space dedicated to reflection and mutual support.

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Elizabeth lost her son, Harbour, to stillbirth at 34 weeks in December 2025.

Elizabeth lost her son, Harbour, to stillbirth caused by placental abruption at 34.5 weeks. She shares that she feels stuck in her grief, holding on tightly and unsure how to move forward. Though she has not received professional support, she has begun creating bereavement boxes for hospitals and connecting with other mothers who have experienced pregnancy loss. She is coming to the retreat hoping to break down the walls she feels she has built, so she can begin to move forward—not by forgetting, but by learning how to live.

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Donna lost her 29-year-old daughter to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2024.

Donna is navigating the profound heartbreak of losing her daughter, who passed away in March 2024. Beyond her own grief, Donna is also supporting her two grandchildren as they grow up without their mother. She has been dedicated to her healing, attending bi-weekly therapy and participating in support groups to help her family process this tragedy. Donna is attending the retreat to find a sense of peacefulness and to discover new ways to manage her ongoing journey. A deeply personal goal for her is learning how to encourage others to talk openly about her daughter; she hopes to find the tools to ensure her daughter’s name and story continue to be shared. By joining this retreat community, Donna seeks a supportive space where her loss is acknowledged and her daughter’s memory is honored.

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David lost his mother and his only sister within six months of each other.

David lost his sister, Ruth, to cancer, and just six months later, his mother, Dernice, to a massive heart attack. He shared that he played a primary role in caring for both of them and loved them deeply, and now feels a profound sense of emptiness. David has participated in grief counseling and support groups through OhioHealth, including nature walks and pottery classes. He is coming to the retreat hoping to better cope with his losses and find a greater sense of peace and purpose.

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Danielle lost her 40-year-old husband, Ronald, to a heart attack in late 2025.

Danielle is mourning the sudden loss of her husband, Ronald, who passed away in November 2025. Facing the reality of being widowed at a young age, Danielle has already begun seeking community through a widow support group to help navigate the early, difficult months of this life-altering transition. Danielle is attending the retreat with a powerful goal: to find a sense of hope and the motivation to start feeling better. She is seeking the tools and perspective necessary to "take back her life" while learning to live alongside her grief. By joining this retreat, she hopes to find a balance between honoring Ronald’s memory and discovering a path forward in her own journey of healing.

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Cynthia lost her 20-year-old daughter to gun violence in 2020

Cynthia is grieving the loss of her daughter, Alexandrea, who died due to gun violence in March 2020. Even years later, she continues to carry deep sadness and is seeking space to relax, release anger, and begin healing. Through therapy, group support, and the ACE Project, she has taken steps forward, and she hopes this retreat will offer peace, connection, and a chance to breathe again.

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Beth lost her 66-year-old husband, Allan, to surgical complications and a stroke in late 2025.

Beth is mourning the loss of her husband of 18 years, Allan, who passed away in October 2025. This is the second time Beth has faced the profound pain of widowhood, having lost her first husband, John, in 2006. After building a beautiful blended family from the ashes of their previous losses, Beth is now navigating the difficult transition to an "uncoupled" life once again. Beth has been active in her healing journey through therapy and grief groups, but she is seeking this retreat to find a true moment of peace away from the daily reminders of her loss. She is attending to gain the tools needed to plan for a future alone and to discover how to find joy again, while connecting with a community that understands her unique path of navigating multiple losses.

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Alahya lost her 23-year-old sister to a tragic car accident in early 2025.

Alahya is mourning the sudden loss of her sister, who passed away in February 2025. This profound loss has deeply affected her family, and Alahya is navigating the unique and often difficult journey of sibling grief. As her family works to adjust to life without her sister, Alahya is seeking a dedicated space to process her emotions and find a way forward. Attending the retreat alongside her mother, Alahya hopes to find a supportive environment where she can focus on her own healing. She has not yet participated in formal bereavement programs, and she is looking to gain essential coping skills and a sense of peace. By connecting with others who understand the weight of losing a sibling, she hopes to find the strength to continue her journey of recovery.

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