49th National Conference for The Compassionate Friends
2026-07-02 12:00 - 2026-07-05 12:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The 49th National Conference for The Compassionate Friends is a place for bereaved parents to find community and hope, while learning and sharing with others. Lifelong friendships are often made at the conference through meeting others who truly understand the painful loss of a child. This event will take place in Baltimore, Maryland, during the weekend of July 2-5, 2026.
Members from Alive Alone have applied to present workshops for now childless bereaved parents, plus there will be other workshops for those with no surviving children.
More information on the venue and hotel will be provided when available.
Alive Alone is not the sponsor of this event, and we post these events for the benefit of all bereaved parents.

2026 National Gathering
2026-07-24 17:00 - 2026-07-26 11:00 | Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, 77 Aten Road, Coraopolis, PA, 15108, United States
The 2026 National Gathering of the Bereaved Parents of the USA National is a place where your child is remembered, your grief is understood, and you don’t have to walk this path alone. Join us for a meaningful weekend of connection, healing, and remembrance with parents, grandparents, and siblings who truly understand this journey.
Each year, the Bereaved Parents of the USA National Gathering brings together hearts that understand — parents, grandparents, and siblings who walk this lifelong road of love and loss. As we begin to plan for the 2026 Gathering in July, we invite those who feel called to share their light to apply to be a workshop presenter.
Our workshops offer a safe and compassionate space for hope, healing, and connection. Whether you share a personal story, creative expression, coping tool, or way to honor our children, grandchildren, and siblings — your voice could make a difference for someone who needs it most.
You don’t need to be a professional speaker — just someone who understands this kind of love and wants to help others carry it.
Apply to present at the 2026 National Gathering this July. Together, we continue to bring comfort, courage, and understanding to our grieving community.
Alive Alone is proud to be part of the Gathering Planning Committee, and is represented for the fifth year by Gwen Rice and Roger Moroney. Both are members of the Alive Alone Board of Directors, and have given many workshops. We are interested in your experiences and lessons you have learned that could provide hope to other bereaved parents with no surviving children. Please email Gwen or Roger for more information.
Registration for the Gathering is now open. Please consider adding the meal plan. The Alive Alone contingent will usually sit at the same table. Sharing conversation over meals is a good way to break the ice, to share stories of our children, and to talk about what might be of interest on the schedule.
