Mary Bowman
Mary Bowman | Donor Mother
“As a nurse, I am honored to be able to be an advocate for those who have given the Gift of Life.”
Mary Bowman, Hawkins’ mother.
Donor Family Stories
LifeNet Health Donor families share a special bond. The following families have courageously and selflessly shared their stories with the hopes to help others going through similar circumstances. If you would like to share your story for others to read, please Contact Us
Mustering the Courage to Mourn
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
“Whatever you do, you need courage.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Journey Through Grief
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
The death of someone loved changes our lives forever. And the movement from the "before" to the "after" is almost always a long, painful journey. From my own experiences with loss as well as those of the thousands of grieving people I have worked with over the years, I have learned that if we are to heal we cannot skirt the outside edges of our grief. Instead, we must journey all through it, sometimes meandering the side roads, sometimes plowing directly into its raw center.
Understanding Grief & Mourning
“Teach me about your grief and I will be with you.
As you teach me I will follow your lead,
and be an empathetic and soothing presence.” – Anonymous
The grief journey is one no one likes to be on – it is painful, lonely, and difficult. Knowing that grief is a normal response for losing someone we love may not be comforting in the moment. We hope this information will help you as you travel this journey.
Florida Bereavement Groups
Northeast Florida
Jacksonville, FL Groups
St.
Grief Companion Program
LifeNet Health’s Grief Companion® Program pairs donor families who are seeking emotional support and encouragement through their grief journey with other donor families who have walked their own journey. They understand the unique experience of grief, and support others as they mourn. Our program is designed to provide a safe environment for grieving, free of judgment with an understanding companion they can trust.
Virginia Bereavement Support Groups
HAMPTON ROADS AREA SUPPORT GROUPS
Frequently Asked Questions
How may I find out about my loved one’s organ and/or tissue donation?
If you are a LifeNet Health donor family, simply contact us through this website and ask us for information on the health status of an organ recipient or information on your loved one’s tissue gift. We will be pleased to provide that information. If you are a donor family outside of the LifeNet Health service area, you should contact the organ procurement organization that worked with you at the time of your loved one’s death.
Western & Eastern Washington Bereavement Support Groups
Western Washington Support Groups
Evergreen Health Hospice
12822 124th Ln NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425)899-1070
Evergreen provides peer support for Children and teens. Parents meet separately in their own group. Art, music,
storytelling, and ritual are part of the healing process.
The Compassionate Friends
446 SW 156th St
Seattle, WA 98166
(206)241-1139
Grief support following the death of a child of any age; for parents, grandparents and siblings.