Donor generosity sustains Courageous Kids for the next generation

A six-year-old boy arrived at Courageous Kids camp carrying something no child should have to carry alone: the grief of losing someone he loved.

Like many campers, he was nervous, quiet and unsure of what to expect. Just days later, a minor injury meant he might have to leave camp early. Staff gently asked how he felt about going home.

"Well, it's not ideal," he replied.

The answer brought a smile, but it also revealed something deeper. In just a few days, this young boy had found a place where he felt safe. A place to talk about his loss, connect with other children who understood and realize he didn't have to carry his grief alone.

For 30 years, Courageous Kids has helped children and teens navigate the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend or other loved one. Founded in 1995 by hospice nurse Kathy Nussbaum after recognizing the lack of grief resources available for children, Courageous Kids began as a small summer camp and grew into one of Oregon's most trusted grief support programs for youth.

Today, that legacy continues because of the dedicated staff, volunteers and donors who believe every child deserves compassionate support following a loss. Through the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation, philanthropic support helps ensure children and families can turn to Courageous Kids when they need it most.

What many people don't see are the moments that make healing possible: a campfire conversation where a child finally shares their story, a memory pillow stitched from a loved one's shirt or a burst of laughter after weeks or months of sadness.

Philanthropy makes these experiences possible and keeps Courageous Kids free for every child and family who participates.  This ensures cost never becomes a barrier to receiving support. Gifts from individuals, foundations and community partners do more than provide meals, supplies, therapeutic activities and the support needed to create a safe environment for children ages 6 to 18. They create safe, supportive spaces where children can express their grief, build meaningful connections and begin to heal at their own pace. With every gift, donors help ensure no child has to carry the weight of grief alone.

At camp, children process grief in ways that feel natural. They create artwork, build scenes in sand trays, spend time outdoors and gather around campfires. They transform clothing from someone they miss into memory pillows they can hold close long after camp ends.

Staff call it "puddle jumping" because grief doesn't move in a straight line. Children learn they can hold sadness and joy at the same time. They can cry, laugh, remember and heal.

Perhaps the most powerful lesson is that they are not alone. The impact often lasts far beyond a single week at camp.

Some of today's volunteers first came to Courageous Kids as grieving children. Years later, they return to support a new generation of campers.

“When I was 11, I lost my brother in a tragic accident and didn't have access to support like Courageous Kids. As a NICU nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart and a camp volunteer, it's incredibly meaningful to help children navigate their grief. Many arrive carrying pain quietly as they try to protect their families, but over four days they begin to open up, build friendships and discover healthy ways to cope. These kids are remarkably brave, and Courageous Kids gives them the space to heal, connect and find hope.”

— Andrew, NICU nurse and Courageous Kids volunteer

One former camper, Shelly Steward, attended Courageous Kids after losing her father at age 10 and has volunteered every summer for more than 25 years. Recently, she and her wife, Niki Palmer, chose Courageous Kids as the beneficiary of their wedding celebration, inviting friends and family to support the program that helped Shelly heal and continues to bring hope to children experiencing loss.

"What makes Courageous Kids special is watching children realize they are not broken and they are not alone. That moment of connection can change the course of their healing journey and their life," said Sheralyn Castro, bereavement coordinator lead at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center

Thirty years after Kathy Nussbaum saw a need and decided to act, Courageous Kids remains a place where grief is met with compassion, courage and understanding. Thanks to donors, generations of children have found a path forward after loss. Together, we can help ensure no child has to navigate grief alone. Please consider supporting Courageous Kids so children and families can continue to receive free, compassionate support, connection and hope when they need it most.

About PeaceHealth Foundations: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Since 1890, PeaceHealth has been guided by a Mission of healing and compassion. Today, PeaceHealth Foundations carry forward that legacy — powered by philanthropy and grounded in community. As the philanthropic partner to PeaceHealth’s nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics, we help expand access, advance technology and empower caregivers to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Every gift ensures that outstanding care continues to reach families, friends and neighbors throughout the Northwest. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Discover the impact of philanthropy at peacehealth.org/foundation.