#DearGrief –What would you say to grief?

#DearGrief –What would you say to grief?

For Immediate Release

16th November 2016

With many young people struggling in the aftermath of a loss, two young men who have lost their siblings, Conor Burling and Luka Wolfgram, are championing a #DearGrief campaign to start the conversation about grief.

#DearGrief is about sharing what you would like to say to grief and the different ways we deal with grief. For some, it is writing a journal, for others, it is throwing themselves into a marathon or a mountain climb, or like Conor Burling, it is getting inked. Twelve years after the loss of his three year old sister, Kenzie, Conor is sharing his #DearGrief story through a video message about his memorial tattoo he had done in her honour. The video has had 30,000 views since it was published last week.

“I always think of Kenzie and I wanted something to show how she is part of me and I carry her with me everyday. Living with grief is tough and it changes you, but we can help each other by sharing messages so people know they’re not alone. That’s what #DearGrief is about,” says Conor.

Bereavement in childhood is surprisingly common, with 1 in 20 young people facing the loss of a loved one before they are 18. Grief brings with it difficult and challenging emotions, including sadness, anger, loneliness, confusion, and guilt. 

13-year-old Luka Wolfgram lost his younger brother, Kosta to childhood cancer and he has coped by creating short films about his journey with grief. Luka says, “I feel so hurt and so furious that Kosta died…all the nevers are heartbreaking, but Kosta inspires me to do good in this world, that’s why I share our story to hopefully help others.” 

Nic Russell, founder of Kenzie’s Gift says, “Grief has an immense impact on our lives and it’s often not spoken about. As a result, children and families don't receive the support they need. Our vision is that every child and young person gets the right support at the right time, to not only reduce the loneliness and trauma of grief, but to give them the ability to face the future with confidence.”

You can check out #DearGrief messages and join the conversation by visiting the Kenzie’s Gift website, www.kenziesgift.com, and sharing your messages to #DearGrief across Kenzie’s Gift social media.

f: www.facebook.com/kenziesgift

t: twitter.com/kenziesgift

i: www.instagram.com/kenziesgift1

Check out Conor and Luka’s video messages to #DearGrief here: 

https://kenziesgift.com/

-Ends-

 -Notes to the Editor-

Kenzie’s Gift cares for the wellbeing of children, young people and families affected by serious illness or bereavement through the provision of specialist support services with registered health professionals and information resources. Nigel Latta is the charity's Ambassador.

International Children's Grief Awareness Day was launched in 2008 to bring attention to the needs of grieving children, to give them a voice and ensure they get the support they need.

Kenzie’s Gift would like to thank:

Ollie Frampton, Director/Producer

Lara Boddington, Soul Sisters Photography

Benefitz, Web Development

Kim Pick

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