INTO THE WOODS
JourneyCare camp helps siblings cope with loss of brother
The Morales Family today,
from left to right: Vanessa,
Brian, Edward, Delia and Kendrah in foreground
Vanessa, Edward and Brian Morales always counted on their
oldest brother, Alejandro, to pave the way in life for them and
for their baby sister, Kendrah.
He would be the one to teach them what to expect in high
school, to have his first date, or be the first to bend the rules.
That changed, however, when Alejandro became ill and was
diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a lifethreatening condition commonly called HLH. In an effort to treat
this disorder, doctors at an area hospital performed a bone
marrow transplant on 15-year-old Alejandro.
But his body did not
accept the transplant,
and Alejandro died in
the hospital.
Vanessa Morales said bereavement camp
helped her deal with the loss of her older
brother, as well as bullying at school.
“His death caught us
by surprise, because
we never thought we would lose him,” said Delia Morales, the
children’s mother.
Vanessa, who was just two years younger and extremely close
with Alejandro, felt like the floor had fallen from underneath her.
Edward says camp is an important place to
disconnect from technology and focus on
connecting with others who understand loss.
As the family sorted through the devastation of losing Alejandro,
a social worker at the hospital recommended JourneyCare’s
bereavement camps for children and teens.
These free summer camps, currently called Camp Courage, help
children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Participants explore and express their
feelings in a safe, supportive and fun environment, led by professional counselors and volunteers from
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“She told me they would have a chance to talk with other children
about their loss and learn that death is a normal part of the life
process,” Delia said.
Vanessa, Edward and Brian were all apprehensive the first time they
attended their respective camps. In addition to the loss of her
brother, Vanessa also lived with bullying at school and feared other
campers would judge her.
“Then I thought ‘What’s stopping you from going? If it’s simply not
knowing what camp will be like, that’s a bad reason,’” Vanessa said.
Delia Morales shares a moment with her
son, Alejandro, who before he died at age 15
Soon, the three eldest Morales siblings found themselves immersed
in activities like hiking, high ropes courses, journaling and team
building. And they all felt relieved
to connect with other young people who understood
the loss that their classmates at school could not.
Today, Edward and Vanessa are 19 and 17, and they have completed
five years of camp. Brain is now 12 and still participates annually,
while 7-year-old Kendrah may join once she is older.
The three eldest siblings say any young person who has lost a
loved one should step out of their comfort zone
and join a JourneyCare camp. Edward says it’s especially an
important space for taking a break from smart phones and
computers, and focusing on what really matters.
“Camp offers a way to express yourself and meeting people who
have gone through the same loss as you,” Edward says. “I always
think ‘What would have happened if I didn’t go there, disconnect
and discover all these new things?’”
Brian and his siblings were all apprehensive
when they started camp, but they quickly
gained new friends.
BE A PART OF
CAMP COURAGE
JourneyCare offers bereavement camps and activities
for children and teens who are grieving the loss of a
loved one. Participants explore and express their
feelings in a safe, supportive and fun environment, led
by professional counselors and volunteers from
JourneyCare.
There is no cost to attend any of our camps, thanks to
the generous support of our sponsors, community
partners and families. All eligible campers are welcome,
but please note that space is limited and bus service is
not provided. Priority will be given to first-time campers.
This year’s camps for ages 6 to 13 will be at the
following locations:
YMCA CAMP DUNCAN
INGLESIDE
July 11-15
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday
JESSE WHITE
COMMUNITY CENTER
CHICAGO
August 15-19
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday
Apply online at journeycare.org/campcourage and a
counselor will contact you. For more information on
Camp Courage, as well as 2016 bereavement programs
for high school-age youths, call 224-770-CARE.