National Grief Awareness Day: August 30th
Grief is one of the most universal human experiences and yet it can feel like the most isolating. On this day, we pause to recognize the impact of a loss, the strength needed to keep moving forward, and acceptance of the truth that there is no “right” way to grieve.
Grief is a journey. One day you might feel fine, the next overwhelmed, and the next unsure. Experiencing a range of emotions is normal. Grief has no timeline and your own grief will change throughout the future.
“Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.” – Dr. Earl A. Grollman, author of Living When a Loved One Has Died
Why This Day Matters
On National Grief Awareness Day, we honor every person living with loss. We see you, we support you, and we are here for you. Too often, people feel pressure to “be okay” before they truly are, or they worry that talking about their grief will burden others.
Give yourself permission to feel. There’s no “wrong” emotion in grief. Sadness, anger, guilt, even moments of joy have a place in your journey.
Reach out. Isolation can make grief feel heavier. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a support group, or a counselor, a connection can lighten the load.
Honor your loved one. Lighting a candle, telling their stories, or carrying forward a tradition can be healing ways to keep their memory alive.
Be patient with yourself. Healing isn’t linear. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay.
Today, we affirm: Your Grief Matters, Your Story Matters, and You Do Not Have to Face it Alone.
Helios Care Can Help
The Helios Care team extends our care and support to the whole family, not just to patients on our service. Our mission is to make life easier for patients and families, helping you to find your way through, at your own pace.
If you need support, please call us at (607) 432-5525 or learn more about Helios Care’s services below.
Bereavement Counseling
Helios Care offers one-on-one bereavement counseling sessions to anyone in the community. These sessions are free. You do not need to be affiliated with a hospice patient or family to begin counseling. Call (607) 432-5525 to get started.
Adult Grief Retreat: October 18th
This day-long retreat for adults will take place on October 18th at the Uplands Center in Walton. Registration for this event will open soon. Learn more on our website here:
Grief Support Group
The Adult Grief Support Group meets monthly at five different locations and also meets virtually. The 2025 dates for September are:
9/11/25: 1 – 2:30 PM at the Clarks Sports Center, Cooperstown
9/16/25: 10 – 11:30 AM at the St. James Church, Oneonta
9/18/25: 1:30 – 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, Stamford
9/18/25: 2 – 3:30 PM at the New Hope Community Church, Walton
9/24/25: 10 – 11:30 AM at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church, Cobleskill
Resources for Kids
Camp Forget-Me-Not: Saturday, September 27th in Cooperstown
The one-day Camp Forget-Me-Not for children is a free camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one. The camp is designed to meet them where they are in their grief journey and give them the support to express their feelings. Register today by calling our Family Support Services Team at (607) 432-5525.
Coping Kits for Kids
If you would like additional support for your child, Coping kits have been developed by our grief professionals and are available to order for kids in need. Each kit includes tools designed to help children honor their loved one and explore their grief through beneficial activities. Order yours today by calling (607) 432-5525.
Interactive Online Resources
For grievers and supporters: https://whatsyourgrief.com/
For children: https://nacg.org/
Candid conversation about grief: https://modernloss.com/
Megan Devine’s podcast & book on grief: https://www.refugeingrief.com/
