Melissa’s father was her best friend, and she was forced to make the impossible decision to remove him from life support. “I have so much guilt and emotions built up inside.” She and her teenage son both struggle with this loss. Your donation will provide the guidance and support they desperately need.

Heather and her sister lost their grandmother in August, two years after losing their mother. “They were the heart and soul of our family.” Raised in a multi-generational home, they have struggled to grieve apart from each other. Your donation will bring them together to honor their loved ones and begin healing.

Tracy’s family suffered multiple deaths in 2023. She found her brother unresponsive and tried CPR, but she couldn’t save him. Later, her mother-in-law passed from cancer. “My husband has lost his brother, father, and mother in the past five years.” Their grief remains unspoken and heavy. Your donation will give them the opportunity to process and find healing together.

Shirley’s son, Joseph, passed away in a car accident. “His absence from our lives is indescribable.” The pain is so overwhelming that her family doesn’t even speak his name anymore. She longs for a place where they can grieve together and learn to live with their loss. Your donation will give them that chance.

Erin lost her fiancé, Brian, in April. He left behind his 20-year-old daughter and their 20-month-old baby. “She was a week shy of turning 1 when he passed.” Brian’s unexpected medical complications left Erin balancing work as a teacher and server while raising their daughter alone. Your donation will help her find the space to grieve and gain strength for the journey ahead.

Kendyl lost her mother, Sonni, at just 57 years old. Though she struggled with mental illness, she fought to be present for her children. “The only thing that has been helpful for us is being around each other.” Kendyl, her sisters, and their children hope to spend time together at camp, remembering their mom and finding comfort in one another. Your donation will help them heal as a family.

Bridget and her husband lost their 5-year-old son, Jaxon, unexpectedly. “He always came home.” Jaxon overcame numerous medical challenges, but his bright personality and love for life filled their home. Now, every corner of their house reminds them of his absence. Your donation will help them step away, find space to grieve, and honor their son’s beautiful memory.

Fred was a man of service, faith, and integrity—a Marine, a Vietnam veteran, and a preacher who made a lasting impact on everyone he met. His family continues to feel the weight of his loss, and after months of caring for his grieving wife, they wish for a moment of togetherness to celebrate his life. “If I said I was going to do it, then I’ll make a way to do it,” Fred always said, and now, his family hopes to honor that spirit by gathering at Camp Because I said I Would. Your donation will help them create a space for healing, reflection, and remembrance in the way Fred would have wanted.