March 24, 2014
Susan Whitmore, Founder of griefHaven, On Good Morning America Watch this YouTube video of Susan Whitmore, founder of greifHaven, on Good Morning America discussing the show Resurrection.
June 27, 2014
GRIEFHAVEN AND THE Tom Coughlin Jay Fund JUNE 27, 2014 – Report by Susan Whitmore, griefHaven Founder What an incredible honor it has been to be a part of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund organization. I was privileged to be the keynote presenter on Saturday morning, opening up the conference. I then conducted three workshops on Saturday afternoon, with my husband Wendell at my side. All of the families in attendance lost a child, sibling, or grandchild to cancer…a journey I know well. On Sunday morning I shared an overview of the weekend, how to go on in life without our children, and what it means to embrace life once again. Tom Coughlin, founder of the Jay Fund and coach extraordinaire for the New York Giants, gave a passionate and moving talk to the audience of parents and siblings who were gathered together for the final candle light ceremony. Coach Coughlin […]
May 17, 2015
griefHaven Founder and President Gives Keynote and Facilitates Workshops Brian Moorman and Susan Whitmore I had the honor and privilege of being with the beautiful families who attended the second annual Brian Moorman P.U.N.T. Foundation’s Remembrance Weekend in Ellicottville, New York. Where’s Ellicottville, you might ask? Well, it’s a long way from Los Angeles, but man oh man is it gorgeous! Snow on the mountains, golfers on the greens, and us in a ski resort with breathtaking views! Brian Moorman was a 13-year punter for the Buffalo Bills and moved to Dallas to be the kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, where he currently resides. On May 2 and 3, my husband, Wendell, and I spent a beautiful and meaningful weekend with many families from New York who had all lost their children of various ages to cancer. I opened early Saturday morning by giving a PowerPoint keynote address, with the […]
October 2, 2015
19th Circuit Court of Appeals Judges Yearly Conference, by Susan Whitmore First, thank you Judge Bridges to inviting me to spend the spectacular day with you and your colleagues. I had the honor and privilege of speaking before the 19th Circuit Court of Judges for the Chicago District in October 2015. In attendance were over 50 judges from the various counties that the 19th Circuit Court covers. The topic was grief and included the science of grief. It was a very special experience for me to be with so many high-powered men and women whose hearts were also broken by the deaths of someone they love. As we know, grief does not care what our status is in life, what we have or have not accomplished, where we live, how we look, or what we have or don’t have. The playing field is equal when anyone loses someone they dearly […]
October 17, 2017
griefHaven Annual Fundraising Luncheon Friends of griefHaven Fundraising Council Members Luxe Hotel – Los Angeles, California October 17, 2017 This year’s speaker was Jesse Billauer, a world champion surfer whose tragic story of utter despair and loss, eventually led him to a life he dared not imagine at the time of his horrific accident—a life that today includes many of his dreams he thought would never be possible since he became a quadriplegic: a beautiful and loving wife, twin boys filled with wonder in their eyes, and a nonprofit foundation that supports quadriplegic people everywhere. His inspirational story gave everyone pause and that chance to remember—we can go on and have a beautiful, loving, and meaningful life. Share in the day by wandering through our photos, and feel the love as you click on the PowerPoint tribute presentations. Hopefully, one year, you will join us at this special event. Mark […]
November 1, 2017
GriefHaven Supports Brakes for Brett When Brett Karlin, the beloved son of Michael and Marcie Karlin, died while “hill hopping” with his friend, Andy, his father decided it was time that other parents know about this hill hopping activity their teens may be participating in. Perhaps others would be spared the intense grief of loss they were having to endure. Plus, those teens who saw it as a fun-loving way to spend time needed to know the potential tragic consequences. So Michael, out of his love for Brett, started “Brakes for Brett.” Andy, the driver, speaks regularly with Michael. We met Michael when he called our foundation in need of love, support, and hope two weeks after Brett’s death. The message that Michael has begun to spread through Brakes for Brett has reached into the homes of thousands across this nation, and we are proud to have joined hands with […]
November 2, 2017
May 19, 2007 San Fernando Valley Counseling Center Presentation 10:00 a.m. – 12 Noon. Call 310-459-1789 for details and directions Susan Whitmore presented and showed Portraits of Hope. For more information, please contact Susan Whitmore at swhitmore@griefHaven.org. Susan, I just wanted to thank you again for your very moving and meaningful presentation today at the San Fernando Valley Counseling Center. I was touched by your words as a human being. I also learned a lot as a therapist. I think you are doing amazing, wonderful work. Thank you so much for what you are bringing into the world. Thank you, Jackie Castro, MA, MFT therapywithcare.com
July 13, 2018
Susan Whitmore, CEO, Meets With Fire Fighters A Day That Changed My Life (Yet Once Again) I was asked by Captain Bob Bates to come to the fire station and talk about griefHaven. He said, “We need you…we need to know about your organization and what you do.” So I went armed with documents, grief pins, and other bits of information to share with them. But what started out as a sharing about griefHaven turned into a grief sharing from the firefighters about their own PTSD, their own trauma and grief over all that they have experienced over the many years they have fought fires, tried to save lives, walked into homes where people have died–where children have died, tried to console families, worked untold hours for the betterment of our communities, and so much more… Most of us have no idea what firefighters do for us. We think they […]