Grief Camp Helps Young Boy Navigate Loss After Sister Dies From Fentanyl
Miles, a young boy grappling with the sudden loss of his sister, Sarah, is learning to cope with unimaginable grief at a specialized camp designed for children who have experienced loss. Sarah died after unknowingly ingesting fentanyl, leaving Miles struggling to remember her and understand her absence. His mother, Tricia, has sought support to help him navigate a grief process that doesn’t always follow a predictable path.
The increasing prevalence of fentanyl-related deaths is leaving a growing number of children like Miles facing the profound pain of losing a sibling, parent, or other loved one. According to the CDC, over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This crisis is creating a surge in childhood grief, highlighting the critical need for resources like Comfort Zone Grief Camp, where children can find community and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
“I don’t think I remember Sarah. sometimes they want us to make a picture about our favorite memory, and I don’t have any,” Miles told Tricia on the ride home from camp one year.
At camp,a volunteer helped Miles understand that memories can be created even after a death,by carrying something of SarahS,honoring her legacy,or thinking of her during new experiences. This year, Miles decorated a luminary bag with lightning bolts for the camp’s memorial service.
For Miles,grief manifests in unique ways. He has created a small space in the kitchen he calls ”Sarah’s house,” filling it with photos,toys,and a tiny doll bed.”She needs a bed in her house,” he explained to tricia.When asked if Sarah sleeps there, he replied, “No, she’s in the stars.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for information and resources.
Rachel Hale’s role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.
Reach her at rhale@usatoday.com and @rachelleighhale on X.
