Peer Grief Companion Program

  • Are you interested in connecting with a fellow donor family for a supportive conversation?
  • Are you already in counseling and would like meet someone who has had a similar loss?
  • Do you live far from Lifebanc but would still like to engage with another donor family?

If any of those statements apply to you, we’re excited to share that Lifebanc has a new program designed to connect newer donor families with those who are 5 to 30+ years out from their loss. Those donor families who are further out from their loss have gone through training designed to help them companion you through simple, informal conversations. These experienced donor families – called Peer Grief Companions – are not counselors or social workers, but they have gone through a multi-session training track that equips them to:

  • Be present for the pain of grief, not take away the pain
  • Listen with their heart
  • Bear witness to your struggle without judgment
  • Walk alongside you, not lead you
  • Respect the disorder and confusion you may feel
  • Understand that you are the expert in your grief
  • Be curious about your experience
  • Know that there is no need to fix you

You can connect via email, phone, or via face time or ZOOM. You and your Peer Grief Companion decide together on the best mode of communication.

Would you like to be connected to a Peer Grief Companion?

Please complete this online form or call Elissa Berman at 216.820.4940 to complete a brief assessment over the phone. If you’re unsure if this program is the right fit for you, please contact us for more information.

Stories

The stories of our donor and recipient families are powerful, moving celebrations of life, hope, and love that get to the heart of why we do what we do, and the difference we can all make. Lifebanc believes that anyone can be a hero – and we see it every day in the generous decisions of people and families who choose and support organ and tissue donation. We’d like you to meet some of these heroes, and some of the Northeast Ohio neighbors they are helping.

See All Stories

Luke

Luke

A champion, warrior and bravest of all. See Luke's Story

Frank

Faithfully, humbly and patiently waiting. See Frank's Story
P.J.

P.J.

Standing on his own two feet is an amazing accomplishment. See P.J.'s Story

Our mission is to heal & save lives, and despite the circumstances, our team continues to make every effort to ensure fulfillment of our mission.

All donation and transplantation work will continue as usual.

Programming, in-person meetings and external events are on-hold until further notice.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will deliver updates via social media, our website, and email communications as things progress.

Thank you for your continued support of Lifebanc and our community.