“Jeremy Goes to Camp Good Grief”
Among the most important and beloved projects ever undertaken by EEH staff is a wonderful book called Jeremy Goes to Camp Good Grief, published in June 2004. It is described as an “inspiring, tender and heartening book,” and all who have seen it would surely agree.

The book’s three authors are Camp Good Grief art therapist Rebecca DiSunno, EEH bereavement coordinator Sarah Zimmerman, and EEH president Priscilla Ruffin, who have created the book as an East End Hospice Bereavement Program publication. Long Island artist Karin Ralph’s evocative watercolors enhance the book beyond measure, and are described as “beautiful illustrations . . . . in keeping with the book’s powerful and comforting messages.”

Jeremy Goes to Camp Good Grief is the yield of many hands beyond those of its authors, Priscilla Ruffin gratefully adds. “Our Board and staff, our Camp therapists, our Camp nurse, our volunteer coordinator and her dedicated volunteers, and the people and businesses of the East End – all have played priceless roles in Camp Good Grief itself, and thus in the creating of our new book.” Very special thanks go as well to St. Gabriel’s Youth Retreat Center on Shelter Island, the book’s Acknowledgements note, “for allowing us the use of their beautiful site; the serene beauty of St. Gabriel’s is the most perfect place to hold Camp Good Grief.”

The book is written for children attending Camp Good Grief, for all children who have experienced the death of someone they love, and for all who seek to help. Its preface for parents and caregivers expresses the authors’ intention that “As this story of Jeremy is written, it will give to parents, grandparents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers new insight and a deeper appreciation of a grieving child’s thoughts and feelings.”

The book’s cover shows Jeremy and his father sitting peacefully on a big rock together, awaiting the ferry to Camp. Its pages also include the Camp Good Grief song, and a special place where young readers may write their thoughts about their friends and feelings at this challenging time, which is a time for healing and hope.