Jan 13, 2010
Want to participate with me in a grief study?
I just signed up for a scientific study about traumatic loss. Here’s the description from their site:
We are a team of researchers from Arizona State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Austin College. We are exploring the experiences of those aged 18 and older who have experienced traumatic loss and bereavement. The purpose of this study is to determine the individual, familial, and societal effects of trauma and to improve standards of care to the bereaved and a model of compassionate caregiving and intervention that fosters resiliency at every level.
The lead researcher for the study is Dr. Joanne Cacciatore. Here’s how I know about her:
The first book I read after Felicity died was one called Stillborn: The Invisible Death by John DeFrain et. al., researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They did a study back in the 80s and published it in book form. It’s mostly stories of peoples’ experiences with stillbirth. It was deeply helpful for me just to read that other people had gone through what I had.
Then, I emailed Dr. DeFrain because the book was out of print. He so politely and sensitively emailed me back and suggested I look into the MISS Foundation, the organization founded by his former doctoral student, Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, who had also lost a child.
I really appreciate her continued research into the topic of stillbirth and traumatic loss. I thought, since so many of us here have lost children traumatically, we should contribute. We can be a means of further research into this painful, under-studied area by sharing our time and our stories to help others.
So here’s what you do:
- Go to http://tearstudy.org .
- Enter your name and email.
- They’ll send you an email right away, and then you just click the link in the email to confirm your email address.
- Wait for them to email you with further details.
I say, let’s do this!
you’re on!
I just saw this on MISS today. Thanks for getting the word out!
Thanks for posting, I doubt I would have heard otherwise.
i’m signing up. thanks so much.
xoxo,
erika
littletinyfootprints.blogspot.com
Molly,
Thanks so much for letting me know about this. Already signed up!
Blessings,
Amanda
Forever missing Gavin 4/7-5/3/08
i have referred several friends who are walking through the grieving process to your blog as a source of encouragement. it has been a refreshing “cup of cold water” to many weary souls. thanks for sharing your story. i wondered if you still have archives for your blog before march 2008? i value your honest perspective, and i remember reading some of your earlier posts that i think would be HUGE encouragement to friends. thanks.
never mind! found what i was looking for.
thanks!
I’ll join you!
it’s the comments section that’s bringing tears today. all these, “i’m signing ups” are representative of huge losses.
Thanks for letting us know!
Signed up.
With love and hope.
One day i’ll see her in heaven!
Annemieke
http://www.vanboxtel.org/index.php?lang=en
I’ll do this too…just read your poem on another post, and tears fall afresh. One comment, “The death of a child is one that lasts like no other”, really touched me. Madison has been gone 13.5 years. Today it feels like she left me yesterday. That is how the grief of losing a child works…I’ve never experienced anything else like it. I can’t think of her as anything else than a baby, so unlike Longfellow, I’m PRAYING that God hands a baby to me…I want to hold her again…
I just signed up! I hope my story will be helpful!