University of Utah College of Nursing

On March 30, we have the chance to do something truly extraordinary for those who are grieving in our community: Raise as much money as possible for Caring Connections: A Hope & Comfort in Grief Program at the University of Utah College of Nursing.

Established in 1997 by Beth Cole, PhD, Caring Connections offers a variety of grief support programs throughout the year, each tailored to a specific kind of loss.

Kickoff donor Krista Sorenson offers this reason to give:

“When you lose someone you love, often unexpectedly, it can be overwhelming and overshadow every dimension of your life. You are just expected to ‘carry on’ and ‘get past it,’ but most people can’t do that,” she says. "Through the amazing work at Caring Connections, people are able to understand both the process and the processing needed to move on and return to normal living. 

"I have personally witnessed people and friends before, during and after their work at Caring Connections and I have also seen people suffer and spiral without using these resources. By giving to this organization, their outreach and impact can continue and grow to help even more people.”

Each year, over 350 persons receive bereavement support in our grief groups. Our two community education programs, "Seeds of Remembrance" and "Grief in the Holidays" enrich hundreds of lives.

Consider "Tom," a 19-year-old man whose only brother died from an overdose of pain medication. It was never determined if his brother had administered his medication incorrectly or had died by suicide, and Tom was overwhelmed by thoughts of “what if,” and “why”? He felt a deep sense of responsibility to parents and to his younger sister. It had been a challenge for Tom to attend a group because he believed he should be “strong, and not cry."

Tom benefited from sharing his struggles with a group that included other men experiencing difficult emotions. He felt his feelings of loss were normalized and respected. Today, Tom believes he is effectively managing his life and family obligations. While he misses his brother “every day," he feels a sense of peace in himself.

As a nonprofit program, Caring Connections relies on community support to assist grieving persons in our area and across Utah. Please consider the difference Caring Connections Programs have made in the lives of many bereaved persons, and join us by supporting this wonderful and effective program of care.