Orlando Attorney Turns Tragedy Into Mission To Help Others Grieving

Online, March 24, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Berit's older brother, Erik Amlie, was a 46 year old devoted family man who loved life, and left behind a wife and two young children. From this tragedy, Berit would discover how she could help others.

A close friend noticed that Berit was suffering even further by not dealing with her grief and suggested she contact Hospice of the Comforter's Horizons Bereavement Center in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Berit eventually made that important phone call and found an organization of caring and compassionate people that lead her on the journey to explore her emotions and relationships at her own pace.

Karen Cloninger, Bereavement Counselor with Hospice of the Comforter worked closely with Berit, who recently transitioned through the one year anniversary of her brother's passing...a very important milestone in the process. In honor of Erik and to bring awareness to the services provided to the community by the Horizons Bereavement Center, Berit is participating in the 34th Annual Winter Park Road Race on Saturday, March 26, 2011, sponsored by Track Shack's C.A.R.E. Fundraising Program. She designed and purchased special race t-shirts for the friends and associates Berit recruited to participate in the race. As well, Berit has received nearly $6,000 in donations to benefit the Horizons Bereavement Center from both individual and corporate sponsors such as Publix, Emeril's, Red Rock Studios, Dunkin' Donuts, Flippers Pizza and Panera Bread Company.

"Berit is a selfless and determined individual. She has put countless hours toward raising donations for the bereavement department enabling us to continue providing a much needed service to our community," praises Karen. Berit was also instrumental in the donation of a computer and obtaining hundreds of plush animals from Universal Studios and SeaWorld of Orlando for use in the Horizons Children's Loss Program.

Hospice of the Comforter's Horizons Bereavement Center offers support and resources to help grieving persons achieve personal growth and adjust to the new reality of their lives following their loved one's death, whether or not your loved one used hospice services. The bereavement counselors guide families and friends though the grieving process through short-term individual counseling, support groups, specialized support groups, workshops, and educational materials. Grief support services are provided to the community at no cost in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

Berit explains her journey, "Speaking from experience, living with the seemingly unbearable pain that grieving for the loss of a loved one can bring often leaves a person feeling lost and hopeless. The exceptional counseling I have received at the Horizons Bereavement Center has helped me to express my grief in a safe, secure and honest environment. This has been paramount to helping me grieve for my brother's death in a healthy and meaningful way." Berit attended various support groups and read many educational materials, utilizing the resources provided by the Horizons Bereavement Center to figure out what worked best for her.

Hospice of the Comforter is proud of Berit's accomplishments and will be supporting her efforts with an informational booth at the race as well. "The money and in-kind donations Berit has raised has provided materials we need to help our clients. It has been an incredible honor and pleasure to work with her and witness the dynamic and caring manner that infiltrates all she does," stated Flavia Cipollaro, MS, LMHC, Bereavement Manager for HOTC.

For more information on the 34th Annual Winter Park Road Race, call 407-896-1160 or visit www.TrackShack.com. To learn more about the grief support services provided by Hospice of the Comforter's Horizons Bereavement Center, call 407-379-0493 or visit www.HospiceoftheComforter.org. The Horizons Bereavement Center is located at 595 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, Florida.