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There is an old adage that says "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade." That is easier said than done when your spouse passes away at a young age. Filled with so much pain from his loss, Henry Klein had to figure out how to help his two teenage children cope while attempting to resume "normal" lives. Henry decided to make a difference in the lives of other people who have lost loved ones to cancer. Henry started Phyl's Fund in memory of his wife Phyllis.

Initially, Phyl's Fund provided support groups for people affected by cancer. Four years ago, the foundation created the Hearts of Hope Camp, a bereavement camp for families who have lost a loved one to cancer.

Recently, the Hearts of Hope Camp was held at the New Jersey Y camp in Milford, Pa. Five families, all having lost a loved one to cancer, attended this three-day weekend on full scholarships from Phyl's Fund.

It is difficult for anyone to wrap their mind around the loss of an 18-month-old baby or a 16-year-old daughter. For these families, it is their harsh reality. While participating in a therapeutic arts and crafts picture collage project, one mother opened an envelope of pictures of her 16-year-old daughter for the first time since her death last September. All of the platitudes in the world are of little comfort. This rural camp setting on two beautiful lakes in Pennsylvania takes them far from their realities and provides them with a moment of comfort. Surrounded by strangers who connect through similar painful losses, it becomes easier to deal with their loss and remember the beauty and special qualities of their departed loved ones.

Social workers affiliated with a local children's hospital provided the opportunity for both therapeutic and recreational activities throughout the weekend. The social workers created this balance in order to enable the families to experience respite while processing their grief. Tears were shed, new bonds were made, and memories were cemented in their hearts forever.

Henry's children Emily and Peter attend the camp both as campers and volunteers. They take away stronger memories of their mother while knowing how proud she would be to see the difference they are making in the lives of total strangers.

As the families depart after a weekend of tears and joy, we are all reminded to remember those people who are no longer with us. Thanks to Phyl's Fund, these families' lives have been enriched! Make a difference and you will be rewarded. Think of this story when you are drinking a glass of lemonade on a hot summer afternoon.