'Shared Grief Project' Helps Kids Cope With Loss of a Parent

November 19 is Children's Grief Awareness Day. And in honor of that, the Shared Grief Project has launched to help bereaved kids and their families. 

Sponsored by the New York Life Foundation, the organization has a site that features touching videos from some pretty familiar faces, including Kyrie Irving, Gabrielle Reece, WNBA superstar Candice Wiggins, and athlete/entrepreneur Roberto Clemente. 

Their unfortunate common denominator? Each lost a parent early on in life.

In poignant videos, each celeb shares what that painful experience was like and how they got through it. The reason, says Shared Grief Project founder Todd Arky, is so kids going through the same tough experience "will realize that they are not alone, that lots of other people have lived through a similar experience."

Arky hopes kids will also take away heartfelt advice -- especially the importance of opening up about their feelings -- and realize, he says, "that they can have a wonderful life and be wildly successful despite experiencing a significant loss at an early age."

More from The Stir: Boy Who Lost Both of His Parents Is Teaching the World How to 'Smile' Through Grief

Arky knows all too well what grieving kids are going through.

When he was 12, he lost his father to suicide. "His death was devastating," he says. "I was fortunate to have an incredibly strong mother who did everything she could to hold things together. We also had a lot of family friends that helped us. As a result, I made it through that period as well as I could have hoped."

Since 2009, Arky's been an active volunteer for Experience Camps, summer camps for kids who've lost a primary caregiver. As a counselor at their Maine location, "I saw firsthand how impactful it was for kids who have experienced a significant loss to meet lots of other kids who have lived through a similar experience," he says. "I decided that it would be amazing if I could get highly respected and admired athletes and celebrities who experienced loss at an early age and were willing to talk openly about their experience."

One video that really resonates for him? That of 23-year-old Kyrie Irving, point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Says Arky:

Despite the fact that he was so young -- 4 -- when his mother died, the loss still impacts him. I asked him when he misses his mom the most and he said that he has a hard time filling out forms that call for his parents' information ... Kyrie said he formed 'The Triangle' with his father and sister, which is a wonderful image, as all three sides of a triangle support each other equally.

Know a child who's grieving the loss of a loved one? The Shared Grief Project can't magically make everything better, but it can help remind him or her that things do, eventually, get easier.

Check out the site for helpful resources, guides for having a conversation with your child about grief, and plenty of poignant videos like the ones below.

Giving Voice to Grief

Todd Arky, a successful entrepreneur (perhaps best known for co-founding Seamless) is trying to change the conversation - or lack thereof - around loss and bereavement. Todd lost his own father at age 12. In the cloud of grief, when so much else felt numb, his father's best friend gave him the kind of support he so very much needed. Todd remembers vividly when Bruce told him that "he was exactly the same age when his [own] father died and that this would be really tough, but I would be okay." Most importantly for Todd, "his common loss gave me a real sense of strength."

In finding another person with whom to share in the grief and open up about his own, Todd was indeed able to emerge with strength from the grieving process. It also made him want to become a person like Bruce for others who had lost loved ones.

It goes without saying that no two people grieve in the same way. Everyone's needs are different at a time of loss, as are everyone's emotions. But in giving voice to one's own grief, others who have not been given the chance to express themselves can likewise find their voice.

Todd first stepped up to do this as a volunteer and now Board member at Experience Camps, which bring together young people who have lost loved ones to get some time away from home and the chance to connect, reflect, and share their own stories. The experience of supporting and guiding others through their loss made Todd wonder: how could we open an even more public conversation about grief?

Bringing together his passion as an entrepreneur and personal story, Todd launched the Shared Grief Project, in which he interviewed celebrities who have lost loved ones and gathered resources from other celebrities who have spoken out about their grief.

What does it mean that NBA star Kyrie Irving, who lost his mother at age four, still gets choked up when he fills out information forms asking about his mother and father? What does it mean that successful entrepreneur Rohan Marley felt lost when his father died at age nine - only to find that his father, Bob Marley's lyrics were a source emotional sustenance? What does it mean that world-champion volleyball player, actress, and model Gabrielle Reece struggled to find healthy ways to process her anger and acted out?

That depends very much on who is listening.

It can mean that many more people than we ever might realize experience loss; they just usually don't have the chance to speak about it. It can mean that even very successful people often face struggles during the grieving process, even if a surprising number of them feel like they emerged with greater resilience. It can mean that those who are grieving need not grieve alone - or feel alone in their grief.

Todd hopes that the Shared Grief Project will open conversations more broadly about grief and how different people have been impacted by it. But more importantly, he hopes it will connect with young people experiencing grief and be a source of strength for them, even from afar.

Not everyone has someone with whom to connect and share their experiences of loss. But this resource can complement the growing network of camps and support groups and reach still more young people who feel lost, angry, or any of the countless emotions associated with grief.

Scholar Athlete of the Week: Gabrielle Crowley

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla

When you are named after a professional athlete you are almost forced to become a great athlete.

Luckily for Arnold High School Senior, Gabrielle Crowley, she did just that.

"I'm actually named after Gabrielle Reece who's a professional volleyball player so my dad really wanted me to start playing and I love it," said Crowley.

Last season Crowley helped lead her team to a district championships and to regional semi-finals.

Head coach Sheryl Heninger says Crowley isn't the loudest one on the court but she is a leader.

"I mean she's a quite quarterback. She's a quarterback but she's quite," said Heninger.

Crowley says she trys to be a leader in the classroom as well.

"I feel like I should be a leader both on the court and off the court so I do what i'm supposed to do and I try to follow really good morals and try to help everyone else on the court do the same," said Crowley.

Her head coach says Crowley's self motivation helps her succeed.

"She's very self disciplined, does her work, wants to succeed. You know and I think that's part of the battle. She wants to be good," said Heninger.

"I mean if you don't do well in the classroom you can't play on the court so that definitely drives me," said Crowley.

Not only does Crowley motive herself but she also helps motivate others on the team.

"Well Lilly she's a sophomore I've been kind of mentoring her since the summer because I really wanted her on varsity because I just really believe in her. And I just give her pep talks because I know she can do it she just needs to believe in herself so I try to help her out with that," said Crowley.

Coach said Crowley's kindness spreads beyond the court.

"Everyone likes her. Everyone likes Gabby. Not just on the team but in the school. She's just a likeable person. Very trustworthy and again instills that confidence in her that she's not going to let you down," said Heninger.

Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece Paddleboard naked for ESPN 2015 Body Issue

Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece are well known for their healthy lifestyles, their rigid fitness routines and their impressive physical attributes, and are set to feature in the ESPN 2015 Body Issue completely naked and on a paddleboard. The ESPN Body series, celebrates some of the worlds most famous and successful athletes in the buff whilst performing in their sport and talking about their training and nutritional regimes that helps keep them in such fantastic condition.

It’s not just a nice set of artistic photos, Laird and Gabby also reveal how hard they both work at maintaining their fitness and that behind their perfect bodies are aching knees and historical injuries, but how they train and stretch to overcome the aches and pains. As well as the strict diet they maintain, Gabrielle also reveals how Laird put together a low impact underwater pool training programme to work the body smarter and how she considers chairs as torture devices!

The 2015 Body Issue is packed with supreme athletes in their birthday suits, including Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, Skateboarder Leticia Bufoni and Wakeboarder Dallas Friday. The ESPN Body Issue 2015 is available from the 10th July, and a full list of all the athletes featured can be seen at the ESPN website here. In the meantime you can see Laird and Gabby talking about the photshoot and their superfit lifestyle in the ESPN video below. Can you believe Laird is now 51 years old and if you were as trim as Laird and Gabrielle would you bare all for an ESPN Body Issue?

Gabrielle Reece: My 'Alpha Male' Husband 'Brings Out the Girl in Me'

She’s an author, entrepreneur, fitness icon, and mother, but Gabrielle Reece, 45, shuns the idea of perfectionism. “I’m so interested in how women can get some version of ‘having it all,” Reece tells Yahoo Parenting. “But having it all is a moving target. … I’m nervous about perfect people.” Reece stands by that message in her new wellness campaign, The Balance Project, aimed at helping us all achieve a happy medium in life. In an exclusive interview, Reece talks about her life with surfer Laird Hamilton, her “alpha male” husband of 17 years, and their three daughters (Reece Viola Hamilton, 11; Brody Jo Hamilton, 7; and Izabella Hamilton, 19, Laird’s daughter from a previous marriage) and those explosive “submissive” comments.  

STORY: Jennifer Garner on Post-Baby Bikini Bodies, Marriage After Kids, and Why Halle Berry Is an ‘Angel’

What’s the hardest part about being a working mom?

I’m always saying, “Do your homework” but I desire to be more whimsical with my kids. My tolerance is lower, especially at the end of the day. [You can also] say no to people. Men say no and they don’t apologize for it. You can say, “This doesn’t work for me.” You’re not being rude – you’re standing up for yourself. … That’s what balance is: Save your energy here so you can double up there. It’s survival. I’m big on women taking care of themselves, and I don’t feel the need to explain myself.

STORY: Candace Cameron Bure: I Want My Husband to Lead

You had to defend yourself when people objected to your description of femininity as “submissive” in your 2013 book. 

I went to college at 17 and didn’t have to fight for certain things the way those in the previous generation did. … I understand [the controversy], but here’s my thinking: I want to exert my will for things that matter, and I’m not insecure about my ability to do so. I live with an alpha male because it brings out the girl in me. … He appreciates the softness and subtlety that I bring to the house because it’s nurturing. My husband does the same for me – he is dialed [into my needs]. … Even in a same-sex relationship, one person [often] takes on a male role. … I am 6′3″ and 175 pounds, so I’m not looking to be strong and dominant at home. [Historically,] true masculinity is about being honest, forthright, protective, helping someone in duress. It’s about everyone cultivating their best strength. Why do we shun the ideas of masculinity and femininity? 

Gabrielle Reece’s three daughters. (Photo: Gabby Reece/Instagram)

How do you parent well as a celebrity?

We’re not “Hollywood.” We speak to our daughters’ inner fire. We ask them, “What life do you want to build?” When my kids are acting ridiculous, I say, “Is this the person you’re choosing to be?” We bust their chops and we’re tough because their environment isn’t. We want to give them just enough friction. As parents, we want them to have a nice life without letting them immobilize… Our kids see us working hard, being on time, professional, speaking respectfully to everyone. My husband and I aren’t movie stars and we’re not on TV all the time.… I’m not shiny. You wouldn’t expect my handbag to match my shoes. There’s a place for that, and [some] people do that well. That’s not what I’m selling.

Gabby Reece on Modeling, Marriage, & Strong Women

I first met Gabby Reece in 1989 when she was starting out as a model and I was a young makeup artist. We worked together often on shoots with photographer Steven Klein for British and Italian Vogue, and quickly bonded over our shared passion for fitness and health. We were quite the pair, she at 6’3” and me at 5 feet tall. With her height and athletic build, Gabby was a stunning example of how strong is beautiful. An instant cover girl, she absolutely paved the way for models that are fit and powerful, instead of thin.

Gabby left modeling to become one of the world’s best known pro-volleyball players. In 1995 she met pro-surfer Laird Hamilton and the pair now live in Hawaii half the year raising three girls. Gabby has developed a new fitness program called HighX that combines resistance training, cardio, and balance available at 24 Hour Fitness. She’s written several books including the 2013 memoir, My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life. In it, she pulled back the curtain on her life, including the truth about her marriage. I love that she didn’t try to put out the image of perfection, but instead was funny, honest, and totally real, just as she was when we caught up again after all these years.

Bobbi Brown: Hey Gabby, it’s been a long time since we worked together. I think you were, like, 17.

Gabby Reece: I was trying to remember, but I think the first time I was, like, 18 or 19. It was 1989, and you were just starting to do your makeup line. I started playing volleyball professionally out of college, so I was done modeling by 22 or 23.

When I think of you I remember how nice, normal,and not model-like you were, and I say that with love.

I get you. Because I remember this one time, I’ll never forget it, Naomi [Campbell] comes in and she’s late. I don’t remember what shoot it was, maybe with Albert Watson. They were all bitching and moaning, and then when she leaves they’re like, “Oh, she’s so fabulous.” I was like, that’s never going to be my language.

Oh yeah. I once did a Vogue shoot with Linda Evangelista, and we’re sitting in a location van on the street waiting and waiting. She comes in six hours late, and the editor says, “I’m so glad you’re here! Here’s some champagne and flowers!” 

[Laughs] How about that naughty behavior?

Gabby Reece with husband, pro-surfer Laird Hamilton and their daughter. (Photo: Instagram)

Thankfully, now you’re worlds away from the modeling world, living in Hawaii and LA with your husband, Laird Hamilton. With two world-class athletes in a relationship, that must be interesting; I’m sure you have both taught each other some amazing stuff. 

Yes, he’s perfectly willing to start at the bottom of something, not be good at it, and then implement it. He has taught me about being willing to do the things you’re not good at. I think I have a tendency to go back and do the things that are easier for me to do, for example, weight lifting and things that I’m comfortable with, versus lots of stretching or meditation. Those things are more of a challenge for me. So Laird has been a great example of going to your vulnerable spots, because it only ultimately makes you stronger. 

Gabrielle Reece, volleyball legend, offers new HighX regimen for fitness, tone

Put down the barbell if you want to tighten up.

That’s the advice from retired volleyball pro Gabrielle Reece, whose new class for gym chain 24 Hour Fitness only uses body weights and dumbbells.

"Looking back, I don't know if heavier lifting was always the most functional," says the 6-foot-3 athlete. "There's a very specific place for lifting heavy — if I am a bodybuilder or center line on a football team. Overall, most humans don't need to be banging heavy weights because it's hard on your joints and it's not actually that functional."

Reece developed HighX — which stands for high-intensity, explosive training — in 2012, but it’s coming to 24 Hour Fitness this fall. It’s a 50-minute circuit training class that works different muscle groups in three-minute intervals.

"It isn't just, we're gonna hammer your legs and upper body, but (we’re gonna) move in and out of those places," says Reece, 45. "It's a journey where I try to bring you to a group of muscles then away from it, maybe work on balance if I know you're a little fatigued so you can see where your weaknesses are and work on them."

The Gym Thorpe — who has also tried her hand at golf and surfs in her spare time — developed the class in Hawaii, where she lives. She still teaches it to friends and the community three times a week.

Volleyball star Gabrielle Reece now has her own fitness class, which she recently led at 24-Hour Gym on E. 53rd St.

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MICHAEL TRAN/FILMMAGIC

Reece, seen here fully clothed, posed in ESPN’s Body issue this year.

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"It keeps me very much in touch with the program and also forces me to stay creative because I'm trying to continue challenging myself,” she says.

Her strict regime is paying off: The athlete and her surfer hubby Laird Hamilton paddleboarded nude for this year’s ESPN The Magazine Body Issue.

But she’s a real person just like the rest of us, she insists, and isn’t above a little Photoshop magic.

"They can fix it afterwards if you know them well enough," she says.