“When we suffer a loss of any kind, we often question the purpose and meaning of our lives.”
Grief coaching and mentorship is a program that is deeply personal to me. It all began with Dean, who lost his mother to colon cancer in March of 2020. I know all too well the pain that comes with losing a parent at a young age – I lost my own mother to breast cancer when I was just 13. Dean and I developed a special bond as mentor and mentee, and through our shared experiences, we found comfort and healing together.
One day, as we were leaving Chick-fil-A, Dean turned to me and asked a question that weighed heavy on his heart: “Do you think my mom wishes she was still here with me today?” I could feel his pain and knew that he wasn’t necessarily looking for an answer. It was then that I realized how important it was for children who have lost a parent to have a safe space to express their grief and confusion.
Unfortunately, the reality is that far too many children are left to cope with the loss of a parent on their own. Studies show that one in seven American children will lose a parent before the age of 20, and in Kentucky alone, one in ten children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18.
The grief and mental health issues that come with such a profound loss can have long-lasting effects on a child’s development and well-being. If left unprocessed, the impact of this grief can linger and manifest in various ways throughout adulthood, affecting personal and professional relationships and overall life satisfaction.
That’s why I founded Young Hearts, and now Resilience Hearts – to provide children and also adults with the support and tools they need to navigate their grief and build resilience. It’s my passion to help people turn their grief into strength and find hope in their darkest moments.
Danielle Chesney
Founder
We offer compassionate support and guidance for young people who are experiencing the pain and confusions of loss.
Tailored specifically for gymnasts, this program provides tools and resources for them to navigate grief while pursuing their passion.
We pair caring, supportive mentors with young people to help them build resilience, develop life skills, and reach their full potential.
This program provides college students with guidance and support to achieve their academic and personal goals.
“Through grief coaching and mentoring programs, I aim to be a guiding light for young hearts in need.”