This post was updated on Dec 6 to include additional events.
12th Annual GW Hospital Trauma Survivors Day
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 11am to noon, online and in person
Trauma Survivors Day is GW Hospital’s annual event where the Hospital invites back a few of their most severely injured patients from the year to share their story and be reunited with caregivers from the hospital and EMS. Please join the event in person or feel free to view it virtually on Facebook Live.
The in-person event will be hosted at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health at 950 New Hampshire Ave NW. The livestream event link is www.facebook.com/GWUHospital.
Informal hang out with the DC chapter
Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 3pm to 6pm at Metrobar
Please join us for an informal gathering at Metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave NE) on Saturday, December 2nd from 3pm to 6pm. Email us directly if you’re coming so we can save the appropriate amount of seats. Metrobar is easily accessible from the Rhode Island Ave metro stop (red line) and along the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Kids are welcome and Metrobar has many alcohol-free options. Bundle up just in case.
The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting Memorial Service
Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 7:00pm eastern
The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting on the 2nd Sunday in December unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles for one hour to honor the memories of the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren who left too soon. As candles are lit on December 10th, 2023 at 7:00 pm local time, hundreds of thousands of people commemorate and honor the memory of all children gone too soon. Learn more here.
DATE UPDATED: FSS National Virtual Soundbath Meditation
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 7:00pm eastern
If you have lost a loved one or been injured in a crash, join us for a virtual sound bath meditation. A sound bath or sound healing is an ancient tradition using instruments with deep, resonating vibrations, like Tibetan singing bowls, bells, chimes, and gongs to help release tension and ease symptoms of stress, fatigue, and depression. This practice can help bring us relaxation while also helping beginners to experience and learn about meditation. As always, we will also have space for members to connect, share, and support each other, especially as this will be several weeks before the holidays and the end of the year.
We will be guided by sound healer and percussionist Samer Ghadry, who has led numerous sound baths for our group over the years. Samer blends Eastern and Western cultural and musical approaches with various energetic healing modalities. RSVP here to receive the Zoom link.
GW Hospital: Virtual Trauma Survivors Group
Thursday, December 14 from 6:45pm to 8:15pm via Zoom
This virtual meeting hosted by the George Washington University Hospital is open to all trauma survivors, family members, and loved ones. It is a space where individuals who have experienced traumatic injury can connect with others who have experienced similar circumstances.
Contact us at DCFamiliesForSafeStreets [at] gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Coping With the Holidays Community Conversation
Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 7pm eastern via Zoom
For those grieving loved ones or the loss that accompanies life-changing injury, the holidays can be profoundly painful. The support of those who have experienced similar loss is especially important during these times. Join a facilitated conversation with peers to share your holiday challenges, rituals to remember loved ones, and strategies to care for yourself during this season. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.