Finding Community at Camp
Stella and Sadie's Story
Since 1989, our mission at Safe Crossings Foundation
has been to ensure every child has access to free grief support, and your generosity makes that possible. As the year ends, there is still time to give and help more kids find hope and healing.
Some of Stella and Sadie’s best memories with their dad, Donny, are from days spent outdoors hiking, skiing, and exploring. Donny had a way of turning every outing into an adventure for his girls. “He always made us laugh and feel better, no matter what,” the girls shared.
Stella and Sadie with their dad, Donny
In September 2023, their world shifted in an instant. While hiking near the Hood Canal with his daughters, Donny was stung by a bee and went into anaphylactic shock. Stella and Sadie jumped into action, calling for help and performing CPR, but their dad could not be revived. He was 52.
Stella and Sadie’s mom, Megan, remembers feeling overwhelmed trying to navigate her own grief while caring
for her daughters. Through Donny’s employer, she learned of Camp Erin, a free weekend bereavement camp for kids and teens supported by Safe Crossings Foundation. In 2024, both Stella and Sadie attended camp.
Stella and Sadie with their mom and dad
Prior to camp, Stella, 17, wasn’t sure what to expect, wondering what a grief camp even looked like. But throughout the weekend, she made deep connections with other campers. Sadie, 15, found comfort and her people almost immediately at camp. She was excited to be with others that had a similar life experience,
sharing “I could fully experience my grief, not just talk about it.”
Stella, Sadie, and Megan carry Donny’s adventurous spirit with them wherever they go. Stella is now preparing
for college and wrote about the impact of Camp Erin in her application essays — a reflection not only of her
grief, but of the transformation, strength, and growth she’s found because of it.
For over 35 years, Safe Crossings Foundation has helped grieving children. Stella and Sadie’s journey embodies the heart of our mission: ensuring that no child grieves alone. Your year-end gift helps make that healing possible by keeping childhood grief support programs like Camp Erin free and accessible for families in need.
Help us make that vision a reality. Please make a donation today and help grieving children find hope and healing.
With warm gratitude,
David Cook
Interim Executive Director, Safe Crossings Foundation
If you prefer to give via check, please mail it to:
Safe Crossings Foundation
4210 Southwest Oregon St, Suite H
Seattle, WA 98116