[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/05/03/art.atwood.ypwr.jpg caption=”Kate Atwood, second from right, was 6 years old when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.”]When I was 11, my father died. I didn’t know anyone my age who had lost a parent. I thought that only people who were my parents’ age lost a parent.
I certainly didn’t know Kate Atwood then, but I’m happy to know her now. Atwood’s mom died from breast cancer when she was 12. Atwood saw the need for an organization to bring bereaved children together to let them know they’re not alone.
In 2003, she started Kate’s Club, a group that empowers kids after the loss of a parent or sibling. Social, recreational and emotional support programs help them cope with their loss and remember that even though they just had to grow up fast, they’re still kids at heart.
Update: Watch the CNN.com Live interview
Young People Who Rock 
What a cute little angel, let adults learn from her, she converted a hard thing in her life into a positive inspiration to others.
I also lost a parent to cancer, at the young age of 8. You face hard adult issues that other kids don’t have to deal with until much later in life – if ever at all. It’s a small club, and didn’t always seem like much fun to be a part of. What Kate is doing is great! These kids can turn an otherwise tragic thing in their life into something positive and unique. Kate is such a role model!
My youngest daughter has to write a weekly paper on a “current event ” for school. We spend hours searching for articles on the computer or browsing through magazines for an article that is “positive” and not related to tragedies or the current war in Iraq. We found it ~ “Young People Who Rock”! This young girl, Kate Atwood, certainly does just that! Instead of closing up and retreating inside of herself, she asked what can I do for OTHERS who are feeling the same as I am? Not many people, especially at the young age of twelve, do that! I am certain Kate’s mother is looking down on her lovely daughter with such love and admiration. Thank you for sharing with us this young group of people who are trying to make a difference in our world today! Peace ~
I interviewed Kate a few years ago for an article in PEOPLE magazine. She is truly one of the best people I know. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor!!!! She has touched more lives than she’ll ever realize — including my own.
Check out some other young people doing great. I love stories life hers and ours.
http://www.consciouslyrebuilding.org
consciouslyrebuilding.blogspot.com
This is a wonderful organization for children/youths/teenagers who have to suffer the unimaginable. I lost my mother to cancer at the age of 8 and never knew life without my mom’s cancer–she was diagnosed before she gave birth to me.
My mom passed in 1992 and I am now 24–it would have been great to have this for kids my age as it was very difficult to grow up in a world without my mom. The club is very small, but providing support groups such as this will only bring positive outcomings.
What an inspiration you are, Kate!
I think this is a great organization, I just lost my mom last June so I know what those kids are going through and its great that someone did something to help those kids
I think in what you are doing is great and really helping people out. It just makes you a better person to help in hard things that you have already gone through. Keep up what your doing.
I think your organization “Kate’s Club” is a great way to help kids get through the loss of a parent.
Kate your Appreciated by many, and a great modle citizen and a role model to all.
Creating something so helpful out of one of the worst things in her life…she IS an inspiration.
Angela
http://angelasdiscountmarket.com/angela.html
I went to the Kate’s Club family day last Sunday. It really amazed me how articulate every kid there was. It reminded me how quickly you have to grow up and assume new responsibilities when a parent dies.
Just wanted to let you know, I’m putting together a longer story about Kate that will air on CNN Sunday Morning this Mother’s Day.
i lost my mom at age 13. I’m now 68 years old and that is a lose you never got over i still miss my mom where are you located i live in folcroft pa right outside of philadelphia. Do you have any close to my home thank you and keep up the good work wish i had something to go to when my mom died it would have really helped
This organization sounds like something that my 14 year old daughter can benefit from. Her father , my husband ,was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 7 years old. He died when she was12 years old. She has not been the same since. She refuses to speak with me or anyone that I suggest. How can I get her in “KATE’S CLUB”?
Linda,
To join Kate’s Club there are two steps. First, you must complete an application for each child. Second, your family attends a New Family Orientation at the Clubhouse. Please check out our website (www.katesclub.org) for more information about joining Kate’s Club and to download our application by clicking “How Can KC Help You” or feel free to call us directly at 770.618.4474 and ask to speak with the Program Manager.
Thanks,
Kate’s Club
Kate this is amazing ! You do ROCk !!! I am going to check out your club. I think you should have your club advertised freely by Myspace and places like that where kids hang out…where they can find it.
Blessings To You Kate, Jenny & Family Alabama
Kat’s club sounds like an amazing place and Kate you are awesome for creating such a place for kids!
http://www.WebSightCreations.com
This is a greatest concept to hep out the children who have lost parents at a early age. This is the best way to empower kids after the loss of a parent or sibling certainly. A bright opportunity for them to share their feelings!
http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=122588
I think this is a truly wonderful thing to see. It’s to bad we don’t see more people like this!
– Katie
http://getbacktogetherwithyourex.com/
hi kate im 13 years old i have lost to grandparents and i uncle i now how it feels to loose some one your a good person for making a club for people who lost there family members im very proud to ahve wrote to a person like you!:[
This is really inspiring. Things like these do not happen daily. A lot of dedication is needed.
this is a great Club….very inspiring story too.
http://www.yourmotivation101.com
http://www.yourpersonalfinance101.com
Kate this is amazing !,this is a greatest concept to hep out the children.
I think this is really incredible. Thank goodness for wonderful people like this. This is what the world needs now. What a club!
http://www.buildingashed.org