Bereavement Services at Children's Hospital Colorado: The Colors of Healing

The Colors of Healing is a family-centered bereavement program that offers you and your family support through a variety of programs, gatherings and resource information. The intent is to help you meet others who are also grieving, as well as provide the opportunity to learn about the wide range of feelings and emotions associated with grief. The groups and programs provide an opportunity for families to meet one another for support and understanding. There is solidarity in grief that can be experienced as one family meets another.

The Colors of Healing Program is a program within the Spiritual Care Department at Children's Hospital Colorado. Learn more about the Spiritual Care Department. Please contact Tommi McHugh at 720-777-6978 for further information on any of these topics or for support.

Bereavement Programs

Grief Support Groups

Many parents find comfort knowing they are not alone in their grief. There can be a sense of peace and healing when parents who have had a child die come together. Nine-week grief support groups are held twice a year at Children's Hospital Colorado, where bereaved parents learn about the grief process and its impact on the "new normal" of their life. A sibling support group is also held, depending upon the number of siblings interested in participating.

Schedule: Tuesdays, March 26-May 21, 2013

Photo Album Workshops

Photographs record precious memories. In the case of a child who has died, those photos become even more precious. A few times per year we offer a Saturday workshop where you can build a photo album in a supportive atmosphere with other bereaved parents. No experience is necessary. We provide the supplies and the guidance to help you build a beautiful memory.

Schedule: Saturdays, March 2, July 20 and November 2, 2013

In the Mt. Yale Conference Room at Children's Hospital Colorado.

A Time to Remember

At Children's Hospital Colorado, we annually remember all of the children who have died in the past year. We do this by offering a time for you, your family and the staff of Children's Hospital Colorado to come together. We have music, special readings, an activity for brothers and sisters, and a special gift for you, in memory of your child. Typically, the service is held on a weekend, which affords time for those of you who have many miles to travel. It can be a meaningful time for you, your family and friends to share as a time to remember your child.

Schedule: Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

Library Services

There are a number of books and pamphlets written regarding the unique death of a child and the grieving process that follows. Bereaved parents have authored many of these books. We have books available that deal with infant and children's death, sibling grief, the unique grief of teenagers, how to deal with gender differences, as well as, how to plan for the holidays. This unique library can be accessed through the Bereavement Coordinator. We would also love to hear from you if you have found a book or pamphlet to be particularly helpful.

Teen/Young Adult Video Group

Each summer, a nine week group is held for teens and young adults who have had a sibling die. Also invited are teen parents who have had a little one die. Over the nine weeks, participants create videos with their loved one in mind. Technical aspects of video creation include: recording footage, downloading and editing into a digital DVD format. This group may help bring words to the grief for which words often falter. 

Schedule: Dates will be announced

Bereavement Coordinator

A Bereavement Coordinator is available to you and your family members to answer questions, and to provide support throughout this difficult time. The coordinator has current information regarding supportive services at Children's Hospital Colorado, community groups and professional counselors. The coordinator can also assist you in researching support and assistance in your hometown in Colorado or out of state. Please call Tommi McHugh at 720-777-6978 for more information.