Avera Cancer Institute Bereavement Program

When a loved one dies of cancer, a lot of attention is placed upon remembering that person's life. But equally important is helping the loved ones through the grief that comes with loss. Avera Cancer Institute is uniquely positioned to offer grief and remembrance services to those who have lost a loved one to cancer, through the Avera Cancer Institute.

Our goal is to provide friendly and compassionate, yet professional, bereavement services for those who have lost a loved one to cancer.

Light of Day Newsletter

Light of Day is a quarterly newsletter that includes information on coping with loss, Avera-sponsored support groups and helpful literature. It also includes inspirational readings and stories of hope. This newsletter can be sent via e-mail as well. To register for this quarterly newsletter please call Lynne Hunter (605) 322-3005.

Rememberance Open House

Each year, as part of the Light of Day program, a remembrance open house is conducted in the lobby area of the Avera Cancer Institute. This open house will be for those who have lost a loved one to cancer who received treatment at the Avera Cancer Institute. This is an opportunity to visit with the Avera Cancer Institute's staff members that assisted in the care of the loved one for a time of reflection and remembrance.

Grief Resources

Resources for Children

Dougy Center
Provides information for children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving a death, www.dougy.org.
Kids Konnected
Provides bereavement packages for children and teens who have lost a parent, www.kidskonnected.org.
Sad Isn't Bad
A series that will combine both fun and serious time to help children and adults discover that their sadness is a very normal part of grief and helps in healing. Our Saviors Lutheran Church, call (605) 336-2942.

Resources for Adults

Avera support groups

Adult Grief Program - Avera Behavioral Health Center (605) 322-4065
Avera McKennan Hospice and Palliative Care Bereavement Services - (605) 322-7705

Community-wide support group locations:

Westminster Presbyterian Church
Compassionate Friends support group, (605) 361-5645
Catholic Family Services
divorced, widowed, and seperated support groups and many other grief programs, (605) 988-3775
Center for Active Generations
Friends Among Friends grief support group, (605) 333-3307
Our Saviors Lutheran Church
grief support group, (605) 336-3378
Peace Lutheran Church
grief support group, (605) 361-3683
Central Baptist Church
GriefShare, (605) 336-3378
Miller Funeral Home
grief seminar, (605) 336-0872