Children's Grief Awareness Day seeks to raise awareness of the painful impact that the death of a loved one has in the life of a child, and provides an opportunity to make sure that these children receive the support they need. In just one year, over 203,000 of Canada’s 7.5 million children under 18 will experience the death of someone in their extended family. 1 in 14 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling who lives in their home.

The death of a parent or sibling has been found to be one of the most stressful life events that a child or youth can experience. Therefore it is important to provide children with information about grief, normalize their responses and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.

 

 

Grief Reflections

In honour of Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Lighthouse for Grieving Children and the Canadian Alliance for Grieving Children & Youth (CAGCY), have initiated a special project called Grief Reflections, where Canadian athletes who have experienced grief as a child or youth, will be asked to reflect on their unique grief journey and how it has impacted and shaped them.

Kaleb Dahlgren

 

Kaleb Dahlgren is the former Assistant Captain of the Humboldt Broncos and one of thirteen survivors from the fatal 2018 bus crash. Kaleb experienced the tragic deaths of his friends, teammates, and coaching staff. Classified as a miracle by numerous doctors, Kaleb overcame the physical, mental and emotional traumas, and returned to hockey. He wanted to shine a hopeful light on the dark situation by continuing to live his life to the fullest. His book Crossroads’ documents his story of tragedy and resilience as a Humbolt Bronco.

“I really loved everyone on that bus. I think losing one person at the age I was, at 20 is a lot…but losing 16 is unfathomable. There are no words to describe it, you could try heartbroken, scared, sad, emotional but those don’t equate to the feelings that it is of losing sixteen. I had survivor’s guilt, but I was able to reframe it. I’m here now and want to live life to the fullest for those who aren’t here.”

My name is Kaleb Dahlgren and I’m enjoying the grind

 

Will Petschenig

 

Will Petschenig is a retired professional hockey player, having previously played for teams in the ECHL and Swiss League. Will lost his father Dan, who was a former Toronto Argonaut, to a pulmonary embolism in 2013. He was playing for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League at the time. Will was fortunate enough to have the support of his teammates, his billet family and many other people throughout the Durham Region. Will created his foundation called A Heart Like Mine with a vision to open a children's grief centre in Durham region to support children experiencing the loss of a family member.{/zen-6}

“I was so young, 18 years old, and it was probably the worst day of my life just having that phone call from my mom, her having to tell me some bad news that my Dad passed away. Definitely unexpected, and it was not easy at all. I pushed all my grieving to the side and eventually it caught up with me. You realize you don’t get to experience certain achievements in your life with them, it sucks.”

My name is Will Petschenig and your heart is like mine