Creating Philanthropic Foundations to Deal With Grief: Case Studies of Bereaved Parents

Abstract

The current study involves the analysis of six bereaved parents' stories and argues that the development of philanthropic foundations helped these parents make meaning of their children's deaths and find purpose in the midst of their grief. Furthermore, philanthropy, as a way of making meaning and finding purpose, is a mutually beneficial process because it helps both the bereaved founders and the communities the organizations reach. Connections between these narratives and the bereavement literature help us better understand the individual/family grief process and meaning making, as well as how internal grief states intersect with communities.

“Parenting Beyond the Veil”: The Continued Parenting Relationship After a Child's Death Due to Cancer

“…This aligns with Field et al (2005), who suggest that a continuing bond is "integral to successful grief adaptation" and "exists well on after the death and that it does so in the context of full acceptance of the permanence of the physical separation" (p. 284). It also aligns with current literature on how meaningful activities can facilitate the process of meaning making for bereaved individuals after significant loss (Dutta et al, 2019;Hynson et al, 2006, Rossetto, 2014Wheeler, 2001). Participating in meaningful activities are ways in which the parents parent beyond the veil and express continuing bonds, all of which are part of the loving parenting relationship that they maintain with their children throughout their own lifetime.…”

“…Findings from this study support the perspective that continuing bonds are beneficial (Barrera et al, 2007(Barrera et al, , 2009Davies 2004;DeCinque et al, 2006;Dutta et al, 2019;Foster et al, 2009Foster et al, , 2011Hynson et al, 2006;Klass, 1993;Klass et al, 1996;Meyer & Carlton-Ford, 2017;Rossetto, 2014;Talbot, 2002;Thompson et al, 2011;Wheeler, 2001). However, other studies raise concerns that continuing bonds cause more grief responses and adjustment difficulties for some individuals (Boelen et al, 2006;Field et al, 1999Field et al, , 2003Gamino, Sewell, & Easterling, 2000;Foster et al, 2011;Hogan & DeSantis, 1994;Meert, Thurston, & Briller, 2005;Neimeyer et al, 2006;Ronen et al, 2009;Stroebe & Schut, 2005).…”

Angels in the Clouds: Stillbirth and Virtual Cemeteries on 50 YouTube Videos

“…After the child's death, 20% of the parents created a foundation or publicized some charity causes within the video (Table 15) (10; 11; 22). Creating foundations or associations in memory of the child or his illness could represent a need for a sense of justice experienced by the parent who feels him/herself distant and unsupported in his pain or who simply tries through other ways to prolong and keep alive the memory of the child at the social and community level (Bogensperger & Lueger-Schuster, 2014;Cacciatore, 2007;Geron, Ginzburg, & Solomon, 2003;Rossetto, 2014).…”

Lost and Found in Upstate New York: Exploring the Motivations of “Lost Boys” Refugees as Founders of International Nonprofit Organizations

“…The process of meaning-making constitutes a key route for understanding the philanthropic behaviors of those who have experienced personal loss. For example, documented philanthropic behaviors in response to loss include the donation of loved one’s organs (Siminoff et al, 2001; Walker et al, 2013; Walker & Sque, 2016); fundraising for causes related to a loss, in particular charity events (e.g., sports events and fundraising concerts; Webber, 2004); and the establishment of foundations and philanthropic organizations to commemorate the loss (Rossetto, 2014).…”