Walking Through Grief

VALDESE – Grief is something nearly everyone will experience at some point in their lives. Many people feel sadness, anger, confused and alone. Now, more so than ever, dealing with grief, particularly the loss of a loved one, is more challenging than ever.

Due to restrictions from COVID-19 those faced with loss are having to learn how to handle grief differently and may feel isolated with their grief – but they are not alone. Burke Hospice & Palliative is now offering a virtual grief support program – Walking Through Grief.

The nine-week program begins on Thursday, Feb. 4th and will conclude on Thursday, April 1st. The virtual group will meet weekly at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the families served by Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, the support group also is open to anyone in the community, said Burke Hospice & Palliative Care Family Support Services Coordinator Michael Costner.

Costner will lead the weekly meetings. “I am excited to facilitate Walking Through Grief,” Costner said. “It is a support program that helps those who are grieving understand what they are feeling and assures them of purpose in their future. The program provides a fellowship with others of similar experiences who share their experience for encouragement in their fight to move forward into a new and different life.”

Costner encourages anyone who is facing grief to participate, adding that the program is welcome to people of all spiritual beliefs and faiths. “Walking Through Grief is an opportunity to receive grief support safely while in the privacy of your own home,” Costner said.

Once the first nine-week program concludes in April, additional programs will be scheduled for the year, Costner said, adding that he hopes to add face-to-face meetings once COVID-19 becomes less of a threat to the community.

For more information on how to register for the program, please Costner at 828.879.1601 or email him directly at Michael.Costner@burkehospice.org.

Founded more than 35 years by a handful of faithful volunteers, Burke Hospice & Palliative Care provides high quality end-of-life care to Burke and surrounding counties. Today, the organization serves more than 200 patients a day in our programs.

For more information about Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, please visit www.burkehospice.org.