I’m here for you. You’re not alone.
If your child, grandchild or sibling has died, at any age and from any cause, you belong here. We are parents who understand, because we have walked this road too.
Join us at a meeting
In person
- When
- First Thursday of every month, 6:30 to 8:45 pm
- Where
- Brandon Regional Library, Meeting Room 1
619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon, FL 33511
Online by Zoom
- When
- Third Thursday of every month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
- Getting the link
- Request the link and we’ll email it to you. We don’t post it publicly, to protect the privacy of our families.
There’s no pressure to speak. Running late? Just come in. Just making it here is more than enough. What to expect →
I’m one of you.
My name is Debbie, and I am a bereaved mother. When my son Patrick died, I learned there is no pain like this one. I didn’t want to walk into my first meeting either, and I didn’t say a word at first. But when I looked into the other parents’ eyes, I knew they understood.
That’s why I started this chapter in 2012. When you call or come to a meeting, I will listen for as long as you need.
Debbie Rivera, Chapter Leader · Read my story →
We’re here for as long as you need us.
Newly bereaved
What you may be feeling, what a first meeting is like, and how to talk to someone today.
Start here →Find support
For parents, grandparents and siblings, and gentle reading for every kind of loss.
Find support →Help our chapter
Give an hour, join a committee, or make a gift in your child’s memory.
Get involved →
Getting through the holidays
The holidays can make the empty chair feel even emptier. Be gentle with yourself.
- It’s okay to change traditions, or to keep them.
- Set a place, light a candle, or say your child’s name at the table.
- Leave early when you need to.
Gatherings and events
Annual Candle Lighting
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 6:30 pm, Brandon Christian Church. We begin with a potluck, then light candles with families around the world in memory of our children.
Sign up
Walk to Remember
Planned for April 2027, open to the whole community. Date and place coming soon. Help us plan it →
If you are in crisis or thinking about ending your life, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time of day or night. You can also call 911.
You need not walk alone.
Compassionate Friends of Tampa Bay Area, Chapter #2407, a chapter of The Compassionate Friends
