When a child dies, families mourn and begin the process of bereavement.

Bereaved families experience many different feelings—disbelief, sadness,

loneliness, fear, anger, regret, guilt, despair and personal loss. These feelings

are all a part of the emotional reaction called "grief." Sometimes feelings of grief

may be overwhelmingly intense. Some people tend to keep feelings inside, while

others are able to express their grief easily and openly.

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a mutual assistance, self-help support

organization which aids bereaved families in the positive resolution of grief after

the death of a child.

The secret of TCF is simple: As seasoned grievers reach out to the newly

bereaved, energy that has been directed inward begins to flow outward and both

are helped to heal.

organization, donations are tax-deductible. The Compassionate Friends has no

religious affiliation, although local chapters do sometimes meet in donated church

facilities.