EXPERT

The loss of a family member is a very tragic event in a person's life. In 2002, Bob Sweeney, a wonderful husband, father and dear friend to so many, lost his life to cancer, leaving behind three young children. Mr. Sweeney was on hospice care when he passed away. From the outcome of this tragedy, the R. L. Sweeney Memorial Fund joined forces together with the Bereavement Department at Good Shepherd Hospice and Bob Sweeney's Camp H.O.P.E. was created. The mission of the R.L. Sweeney Memorial Fund is to raise funds for bereavement programs to support grieving families on Long Island.

Bob Sweeney's Camp H.O.P.E. is a FREE 2 day camp for children ages 5 - 17 who have lost an immediate family member. Through the talents of Good Shepherd Hospice, Camp H.O.P.E. is professionally staffed and offers grieving kids and an accompanying caregiver the opportunity to share their feelings in a safe, fun and healthy environment. One of the many benefits for the children who attend this camp is that they will be around other children who are in similar circumstances. Currently, Camp H.O.P.E. is being offered to grieving families once a year. In addition we also host a holiday party for families given in December.