Recognizing that the holidays can be challenging for those who have experienced loss, the Family Programs team at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is launching the first in a six-episode series of its new podcast, Grief in Progress.
While the podcast features Fire Hero Families of fallen firefighters who have been honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD, the stories recounted by loved ones of the fallen can be of assistance to anyone who is dealing with grief or tragic loss.
Shared stories can be a powerful tool of hope
for those who have experienced tragic loss.
Hear Fire Hero Families Share Their Experiences—and Learnings
Each episode addresses a specific topic such as forging new support systems, thriving amidst community “expectations,” and finding effective ways to honor a lost loved one. The inaugural episode features Ohio’s Sharon Purdy, whose volunteer firefighter husband, Lee, died of a heart attack in the line of duty. Sharon used what she learned through this tragic experience to become an advocate for other family members—in fact, her efforts led to the expansion of the Hometown Heroes program that provides benefits to survivors of public safety officers. Sharon’s powerful story is just one example of the topics explored in the new series.
Episode 1
Becoming a Change Maker After Loss
According to Beverly Donlon, Director of the NFFF’s Family Programs, a key goal of the new series is to “inspire listeners with messages of hope and healing, enabling them to gain coping skills by hearing from peers who have experienced tragic events.” Another aim is to inspire dialogue around contemporary issues related to grief, healing, and perseverance—and spark new ways of seeing the world and connecting with others. In each podcast, NFFF’s grief specialist, Jenny Woodall, participates in the conversation and helps to facilitate the telling of each story.
Overall, the new six-part series reveals stories from the perspective of varying ages, genders, and family roles. Each offers specific messages of inspiration, hope, and resilience for listeners who are experiencing grief or know someone who is. Through the generosity of Fire Hero Families sharing their own stories, NFFF intends for others to find hope during the holiday season—and beyond.
Listen Online or On Your Digital Device
The podcast episodes, transcripts, preview of upcoming topics, and other helpful materials can be found online at www.griefinprogress.com or through Apple iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, or YouTube. Subsequent episodes will be released monthly.
Grief in Progress: A New Podcast Series from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Everyone’s journey through grief is unique. But shared stories can be a powerful tool of hope for those who have experienced sudden loss. Grief in Progress inspires listeners with messages of resilience from peers who have found their own ways to cope. The compelling episodes feature one-on-one conversations with spouses, children, and life partners of fallen firefighters—but the perspectives they share will resonate with anyone dealing with grief. Through the generosity of these Fire Hero Families, the open dialogue focuses on contemporary issues of grief and offers strategies to promote healing. Most of all, Grief in Progress inspires new ways of seeing the world and connecting with others after tragic loss.
