3/21/2023 After losing her son Nicholas unexpectedly last March, Dena (Foreman) Karabinos wanted to honor his life and make a difference. The first annual Nicholas Foreman Memorial Benefit Pool Tournament on Feb. 11 at the Shovel Head Tavern in Cresson raised nearly $9,500 to benefit the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program.

3/3/2023 Family Hospice, Part of UPMC, is offering free grief support options this spring at the UPMC Home Healthcare/Family Hospice offices throughout West Central Pennsylvania.

2/10/2023 Tickets are on sale now for Home Nursing Agency Foundation's signature fundraiser - Mercedes Moment! Only 1,000 tickets are sold for a chance to win a Mercedes or $30,000 in cash. Tickets are only $100 each.

2/9/2023 As the number of families impacted by overdose death continues to grow, the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is hosting a free in-person training on how to support these grieving children and families on Tues., March 21 from 1-4:30 p.m. at the UPMC Home Healthcare office, 20 Sheraton Dr., Altoona. The training will include the National Alliance for Children’s Grief live webcast on “Supporting Children and Families Following an Overdose Death” with a Q&A to follow.

1/18/2023 Those dealing with the death of a loved one can find comfort and healing through connecting with others and sharing emotions and memories. The same is true for children who are mourning, and the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program provides a safe environment for grieving children and their families to relate through creative activities. 

11/15/2022 The first annual Flashlight Egg Hunt will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Altoona Curve - Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona, PA. 

11/10/2022 The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program announced a $20,000 Grief Reach Grant from the New York Life Foundation, administered by the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, to ensure that school communities have information and dedicated bereavement resources to meet the needs of grieving children and their families. The Healing Patch provides in-school peer support groups for students who are not able to attend sessions at the centers in Altoona and Ebensburg. Additionally, the Healing Patch provides student and staff education to school districts in Bedford, Blair and Cambria counties. 

10/27/2022 One in 12 children in Pennsylvania will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, according to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (Judi’s House, 2022). While life seems to continue like normal for others, these “forgotten mourners” have had their lives forever changed. Join the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program in showing support for these grieving children throughout the month of November for Children’s Grief Awareness Month. The Healing Patch invites the community to get involved by wearing blue on Children’s Grief Awareness Day, Nov. 17.

10/26/2022

The joy of the holiday season can be marked by sadness for those with loved ones who have passed away. Remembering our loved ones and including them in our observances keeps them alive in our hearts and celebrates their legacy that continues to live on.