Tomica’s son, Anthony, died by drowning in the summer of 2023. Since his passing, she’s participated in a couple of group therapy sessions and is now seeking a more intentional path forward. She shared that she hopes the bereavement retreat will help her learn to navigate this loss in a healthy way.

Terry lost her son Jeremy suddenly after a blood clot ruptured and caused massive internal damage. At the time, she was on medication that affected her memory, and as a result, she says she didn’t truly get the chance to grieve. “I didn’t get to say goodbye,” she shared. Nearly two years later, she was diagnosed with cancer. Terry is now seeking space to finally begin her grief journey—“to start grieving,” in her words—and is hoping this retreat gives her that chance.

Susan has experienced an unimaginable year—three deep personal losses within months of each other. Her father-in-law died by suicide. Her mother-in-law passed away from pancreatic cancer. Her own mother died following complications from COVID-19. “Suicide loss leaves such shame and guilt. It split up our entire family,” she wrote. “Cancer sucks. And COVID deaths are extra painful.” Sunny said she is looking for room to grieve, space to learn coping skills, and a supportive community of people who understand what she’s carrying.

Renee has lost her brother, cousin, and numerous friends to fentanyl poisoning. “I’m currently a national advocate fighting against fentanyl poisoning,” she shared. Renee now channels her grief into Purpose After Tears (P.A.T.), the advocacy work she created in response to these losses. She's joining the retreat not only as a participant, but as someone deeply committed to helping others navigate life after trauma.

Michelle and Eric’s son Isaac died by suicide in September 2025. Since then, they’ve each been doing their best to process the loss—Michelle through in-person and online grief support groups, including art therapy and Suicide Loss Day, and Eric through mentorship, clergy, and an 8-week program he recently began. Michelle shared that she often feels like she’s “on a teeter-totter,” her emotions rising and falling daily. Eric put it plainly: “It’s hard.” At this retreat, they hope to find support, tools for healing, and connection with others who understand what they’re going through.

Judith lost her son, Benjamin, last year. Officially, his passing was attributed to heart complications from obesity, but she suspects it was related to tainted medication. “It was a complete shock,” she said. “Some guilt still lingers.” She has found sharing with others who are grieving to be helpful, and now hopes the retreat will give her a dedicated space to step back from the noise and better understand her grief.

Joelle lost her husband, Mike, in early 2025 after a battle with glioblastoma. She participated in 13 weeks of Grief Share, but this retreat will be her first immersive bereavement experience. She hopes to find connection, support, and learn new ways to cope with the sadness that remains. “I’m seeking connection, support, and coping techniques.”

Michelle and Eric’s son Isaac died by suicide in September 2025. Since then, they’ve each been doing their best to process the loss—Michelle through in-person and online grief support groups, including art therapy and Suicide Loss Day, and Eric through mentorship, clergy, and an 8-week program he recently began. Michelle shared that she often feels like she’s “on a teeter-totter,” her emotions rising and falling daily. Eric put it plainly: “It’s hard.” At this retreat, they hope to find support, tools for healing, and connection with others who understand what they’re going through.

Diana lost her husband, Keith, on September 26, 2025, to a stroke. His death was sudden, and she has not received any professional support since then. “I’m just trying to cope,” she wrote in her application. She hasn’t participated in any bereavement programs or counseling. As someone who finds comfort in food during difficult times, she hopes the retreat will help her develop healthier ways to process grief. Diana also shared that she has difficulty with lots of steps, and hopes to learn practical skills to manage day-to-day challenges and emotional pain.

Crystal met her husband later in life, and when she lost him suddenly—his heart stopping in front of her with no warning—she was left to navigate grief that felt entirely disorienting. “I didn’t meet him until I was 45,” she shared, “and lost him 10 years later.” At first, she tried a support group, but “I wasn’t ready.” Now, Crystal is volunteering her time at the retreat as she continues her own journey through loss. Living with diabetes, she hopes to find clarity and healing by being in community with others facing their own heartbreaks. “I just want to learn how to navigate without my husband.”