As time passes after the loss of a loved one, survivors begin the process of rebuilding their lives. To help with that, the Foundation holds a yearly conference which offers survivors a variety of workshops focusing on wellness, healing, and practical concerns. Equally important, survivors have time to get to know one another and form friendships that help sustain them through this ongoing process.

Workshops tentatively planned for 2010 include parenting, art therapy, yoga & meditation, home maintenance & repair, speech coaching, and self-defense. You choose the topics that suit you best. And don't worry-there will be time for fun and relaxation. Join others for evening activities, swim in the hotel pool, take the shuttle to nearby shopping and restaurants, and enjoy a day-long excursion into Chicago.

The conference is open to all survivors of firefighters who have died in the line of duty and been honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Parents, spouses, siblings, adult children, and other family members have attended previous conferences. The conference is for adults only, and we cannot accommodate young children. Teenagers may attend with a parent or guardian. There is no charge to survivors for the conference itself, and the Foundation is able to cover lodging and some of the food and transportation costs.

Are you nervous about traveling or attending for the first time? Remember-everyone was a first-timer once! This is a very friendly group of people who have "been there" and will help you navigate this new experience.

But don't take our word for it. Here's what a few survivors who attended their first conference in 2009 had to say:

"As a first-timer, I didn't know what to expect, but I was so impressed with the initial warmth and welcome I received. When I sat down to dinner the first evening, the warm smiles and big hugs told me I was at the right place at the right time."

"Since my husband was killed, I have wanted to find a way to help others. I feel like I came back from this conference with more knowledge about how to do so, connections with people who can help me do it, and the motivation and tools to do so. I literally feel as though I have turned a corner in my healing process. I'm no longer dwelling on what happened to me; now I'm focused on what I can and am going to do to help others."

Contact Linda Hurley at lhurley@firehero.org or (301) 447-7693 to ask questions or request registration materials. We hope to see you in May!